DESCRIBING THE STRUCTURAL

COMPONENTS OF THE
CELL MEMBRANE
For General Biology 1/ Grade 11
Quarter 1/ Week 6

1
 FOREWORD

This self-learning kit (SLK) will serve as guide for

learners to understand the structural components making
up the cell membrane. This will enable them to describe
how the structure of the cell membrane relates to its
function as selective gatekeeper of the cell. A set of
activities guided with contextualized discussions and
illustrations is featured in this learning kit.

In using this SLK, learners will recognize that science is

dynamic and fun. The activities included herein are simple
and easy to do. In doing so, learners will be given
opportunity to broaden their knowledge and enhance
their resourcefulness and creativity in performing hands-
on activities provided to them. This will enable them to
develop their critical thinking skills. It is hoped that their
understanding on the basic concepts will benefit them in
many ways and the skills they acquired in using this kit
may help them in dealing with practical problems.

2
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson, the learners shall be able to:
K: identify and describe the structural components of the
cell membrane using the fluid mosaic model of
membranes
S: relate the structure and composition of the cell
membrane to its function
A: understand the functions of phospholipids, proteins,
and carbohydrates in membranes

LEARNING COMPETENCIES
Describe the structural components of the cell membrane
(STEM_BIO11/12-Ig-h-11)

Relate the structure and composition of the cell membrane

to its function (STEM_BIO11/12-lg-h-12)

I. WHAT HAPPENED

3
PRE-ACTIVITY/PRE-TEST:

Let us test your stock knowledge!

MEMBRANE CRYPTOGRAM
Directions: Decode the encrypted message below. Use the clues to
determine the value of each letter.
1. It describes the structure of the cell membrane.

2. The phospholipids of a cell membrane are arranged in a

double layer forming the _______.

3. Molecules important for maintaining the fluidity of the

membrane.

4. Transport of materials within the cell without energy

expenditure.

5. Transport of materials within the cell with energy

expenditure

4
 Question: How do you call the property of cellular
membranes that only allows certain molecules to enter or exit
the cell?

II. WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

All cells are surrounded by a cell membrane also known as plasma

membrane. The membrane is a physical barrier that separates a cell from its
surrounding environment. It also regulates exchange of materials inside the cell
with its surroundings and gets rid of the wastes.
The fluid mosaic model is the currently accepted concept describing
the structure of plasma membrane. According to this model, the membrane is
a mosaic of protein molecules bobbing in a fluid bilayer of phospholipids. It
describes the plasma membrane having a fluid consistency wherein individual
molecules are just floating in a fluid medium, and they are all capable of
moving sideways sliding past each other within the membrane. Mosaic refers
to something that contains many different parts. The plasma membrane is a
mosaic of phospholipids, cholesterol molecules, proteins, and carbohydrates
(Figure 1).

Figure 1. The fluid-mosaic model of the plasma membrane

5
 The plasma membrane is composed of four different types of molecules,
namely phospholipids, proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates. It is made up
primarily of a bilayer of phospholipids with embedded proteins, carbohydrates,
glycolipids, and glycoproteins, and, in animal cells, cholesterol.
The bulk of the membrane structure is composed of two back-to-back
layers of phospholipid molecules. A phospholipid molecule has two different
regions: a hydrophilic region and a hydrophobic region (Figure 2a). Because
of this difference in the properties, the molecule is called amphipathic. The
head end contains a phosphate group and is hydrophilic which means that it
likes or is attracted to water molecules. They are in contact with aqueous fluid
both inside and outside the cell. The tail end is made up of fatty acid chains.
Fatty acids are long chains that are mostly made up of hydrogen and
carbon which are hydrophobic, or do not like to mingle with water
molecules. Just like what happens when you pour cooking oil in water. The oil
will not mix with the water. The hydrophobic tails are attracted to each other
while being repelled by water hence face inward where there is no water.
(Figure 2b)
The membrane’s phospholipid bilayer can be best illustrated using a
butter-filled sandwich example. The bread represents the hydrophilic heads
while the greasy butter filling represents the fatty acid tails forming a
hydrophobic core and thus creating a good barrier.

Phosphate
Extracellular
Hydrophobic head

Glycerol

Phospholipid
Saturated
fatty acid bilayer

Unsaturated fatty acid Hydrophobic tail

Intracellular
Hydrophobic tail

Hydrophobic head

Figure 2. (a) A phospholipid molecule has a charged phosphate group, glycerol, and two
fatty acid chains. (b) The hydrophilic heads of the phospholipid molecules face outwards,
forming hydrogen bonds with the surrounding water molecules, while the mutually attracting
hydrophobic tails face inwards.

6
 Two major populations of membrane proteins are found in the plasma
membrane. Integral proteins embed in the lipid bilayer while peripheral
proteins are loosely attached to the membrane surface. Most integral
proteins are transmembrane proteins, which span the membrane; other
integral proteins extend only partway into the hydrophobic interior. Some
integral membrane proteins form a channel that allows ions or other small
molecules to pass. Peripheral proteins on the other hand are not embedded
in the lipid bilayer at all, instead they are loosely bound to the surface of the
membrane. The functions of membrane proteins include transport, enzymatic
activity, signal transduction, cell-cell recognition, intercellular joining, and
attachment to the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix.
Short chains of carbohydrates or sugars (may consist of 2–60
monosaccharide units and may be either straight or branched) can be found
attached to proteins (forming glycoproteins) and lipids (forming glycolipids)
on the outside of a cell membrane. Together, these carbohydrates form the
glycocalyx. The glycocalyx cushions and protects the plasma membrane, and
it is also important in cell recognition.
Cholesterol molecules are often found stuck between phospholipid
molecules in the plasma membranes of animal cells. They have a role in
maintaining the fluid consistency of the plasma membrane. Cholesterol
molecules keep the phospholipid tails from coming into contact and
solidifying. This ensures that the cell membrane stays
fluid and flexible. They also strengthen the membrane
by preventing some small molecules from crossing it.

The fluid mosaic model describes the

plasma membrane as a mosaic of protein
molecules bobbing in a fluid bilayer of
phospholipids. Generally, plasma membranes
control the traffic of molecules going in and out
of the cell. Cell membranes are said to be
contiguous structures not a continuous one. What
are the other functions of membranes?

Functions of the plasma membrane:

1. It encloses every cell and maintains cellular integrity, thus
keeping all contents of the cell from spilling out.
2. It is a selective barrier that separates the external from the
internal environment of the cell (compartmentalization).
3. It provides many of the unique functional properties of
specialized cells.

7
 The plasma membrane’s lipid bilayer has a hydrophobic region
which creates a barrier for some polar molecules. This hinders the
movement of certain materials through the membrane. In other words, not
all substances can pass through the cell membrane. However, some
substances can pass through it with ease, like gases, water, and other fatty
substances, while others, particularly larger molecules (i.e., glucose, fatty
acids, amino acids, and glycerol), have difficulty in passing through the cell
membrane. This property makes the cell membrane semi-permeable or
selectively permeable. The membrane functions more like a bag of tightly
woven cotton fabric than like a concrete wall.
Nonpolar molecules, such as hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and
oxygen, are hydrophobic and can dissolve in the lipid bilayer of the
membrane and cross it rapidly. Remember that phospholipids are lipid in
nature, thus the concept ―like dissolves like‖ applies. Polar molecules on the
other hand such as glucose and other sugars pass only slowly through a
lipid bilayer, and even water, a very small polar molecule, does not cross
very rapidly. Ions such as sodium and potassium must have a special means
of penetrating plasma membranes. Cell membranes allow these ions and a
variety of polar molecules while avoiding meeting the lipid bilayer. This can
be done by passing through transport proteins called channel proteins used
by certain molecules or ions as tunnels through the membrane (Figure 3).

Figure 3. A channel protein has a channel through which solutes can pass.

Substances moving across the selectively permeable plasma

membrane can be either ―passive‖—i.e., occurring without the input of
cellular energy —or ―active‖—i.e., its transport requires the cell to expend
energy. Plasma membranes must allow certain substances to enter and
leave a cell, while preventing harmful materials or wastes from entering and
essential material from leaving. If plasma membranes were to lose this
selectivity, the cell would no longer be functioning well, and it would be

8
destroyed. The cell employs various transport mechanisms involving cell
membranes.
Membrane proteins function in transport, enzymatic activity, signal
transduction, cell-cell recognition, intercellular joining, and attachment to
the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix. Among the most sophisticated
functions of the plasma membrane is its ability to transmit signals via
complex proteins. These proteins can be receptors, which work as receivers
of extracellular inputs and as activators of intracellular processes, or
markers, which allow cells to recognize each other. Membrane receptors
provide extracellular attachment sites for hormones and growth factors,
which then trigger intracellular responses. Some viruses, such as the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can hijack these receptors to enter the cells,
causing infections.

Activity # 1: IDENTIFYING MEMBRANE COMPONENTS

Directions: Correctly identify the structural components of the plasma
membrane. Write your answers in your notebook.

9
Performance Task: “DO-It-YOURSELF CELL MEMBRANE”
Have you ever wondered why things are arranged as they are? The
plasma membrane is made up of a bilayer of phospholipids. Scattered
between these phospholipids are various other molecules such as proteins,
cholesterol, and carbohydrate chains resembling a mosaic. The membrane
functions as a selective barrier that separates the internal components of the
cell from its external environment. In this activity, you will be able to build a
simple 3-D model of the plasma membrane using materials you can easily
find at home.

You will need the following materials:

• 3 pipe cleaners of different colors/ fuzzy wires

• 1 regular-sized drinking straw
• 1 rubber band
• 50 cotton buds

• Scissors
Procedure:

1. Gather the cotton buds into a bundle and place the rubber band
around the middle to keep them in a bundle.

2. Make a receptor molecule into the cell membrane. Take one of the pipe
cleaners/fuzzy wire and place it through the bundle of cotton buds. It
should extend through the bunch of cotton buds and have a region that
would bind to a signal molecule. You can do this by bending one end of
it into a circular shape. This shape represents how signal molecules bind
to specific molecules.

3. Use the other pipe cleaner/fuzzy wire as a carbohydrate chain. Place it in

the bundle of cotton buds, just as in step 2. Do not bend this pipe
cleaner/fuzzy wire.

4. Cut the drinking straw in half. Place each half into different locations in
the bundle of cotton buds. These represent the protein channels and
pumps.

5. Roll the bundle of cotton buds between your hands. Do the individual
buds move? Without pulling the straw out can you move it between the
buds? How does this represent the fluid mosaic model?

10
Answer the following questions: Write your answers in your notebook.

1. What molecules of the cell membrane do the cotton buds

represent?

_____________________________________________________________

2. How do the cotton buds represent the polar and non-polar

characteristics of the cell membrane?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

3. In this model, the cotton buds and proteins can be moved around.
Explain whether this is an accurate representation of actual cell
membranes?

_____________________________________________________________

4. A mosaic is a type of tiled artwork. How is the cell membrane like a

mosaic?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

11
 5. If a molecule needs to enter or exit the cell and it cannot fit
between the phospholipids, how can it cross the membrane?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________
Sources: https://www.education.com/science-
fair/article/build-cell-membrane-model/
https://betterlesson.com/lesson/639022/the-cell-
membrane

Performance Rubric

3 2 1

Required The model All required All but 1 of the

Elements includes all elements are required
required elements included in the elements are
as well as model included in the
additional model
information

Attractiveness The model is The model is The model is

exceptionally attractive in acceptably
attractive in terms terms of design, attractive
of design, layout layout and though it may be
and neatness neatness a bit messy.

12
III. WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

EVALUATION/POST-TEST:

A. Multiple Choice. Choose the best answer from the choices in each
number. Write your answers in your notebook.

1. Which is not a component of the cell membrane?

a. phospholipids
b. sterols
c. proteins
d. nucleic acids

2. Which molecules make up the bulk of a cell membrane?

a. phospholipids
b. carbohydrates
c. proteins
d. all of these

3. Which best describes the structure of a cell membrane?

a. proteins between two bilayers of phospholipids
b. proteins embedded in a bilayer of phospholipids
c. a bilayer of protein coating a layer of phospholipids
d. phospholipids between two layers of protein

13
4. Which plasma membrane component can be either found on its
surface or embedded in the membrane structure?
a. protein
b. cholesterol
c. carbohydrate
d. phospholipid

5. The tails of the phospholipids of the plasma membrane are

composed of _____and are_______?
a. phosphate groups; hydrophobic
b. fatty acid groups; hydrophilic
c. phosphate groups; hydrophilic
d. fatty acid groups; hydrophobic

6. Which sentence best describes the fluid mosaic model?

a. The plasma membrane allows fluid to pass between the
extracellular fluid and the cytoplasm.
b. Too much fluid will cause animal cells to burst.
c. The components of the membrane fit in place like the tiles in a
mosaic.
d. The lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates of the plasma
membrane travel freely across its surface.

7. Which is not a role of the cell membrane?

a. Provides protection
b. Selectively allows some materials to enter or leave
c. Separates intracellular fluid from extracellular fluid
d. Prevents all substances from entering a cell

8. What is the primary function of carbohydrates attached to the

exterior of cell membranes?
a. cell recognition
b. flexibility of the membrane
c. strengthening the membrane
d. channels through membrane

9. Which maintains the fluidity of the plasma membrane?

a. having many membrane proteins
b. the tight alignment of phospholipids
c. cholesterol present in the membrane
d. single bonds between carbon atoms in the fatty acid tails

14
10. Which component of the cell membrane functions to allow for
communication between cells?
a. Phospholipids
b. Carbohydrates
c. Proteins
d. None of these choices is correct.

B. Identification. Recall the structural components of the plasma

membrane. Using the diagram below, match the structure with its
corresponding function. Choose only the letter of the correct
answer. Write your answers in your notebook.

Membrane functions:

1. Attracts water _______

2. Repels water _______
3. Helps maintain the fluidity of the membrane ________
4. Involved in cell-to-cell recognition _______
5. Helps transport certain materials across the cell
membrane _______

C. Essay

Why do phospholipids tend to spontaneously orient themselves into

something resembling a membrane?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

15
REFERENCES

Hickman, C.P., Jr., Roberts, L.S. and Larson, A. (2001). Integrated

Principles of Zoology, 11th ed. McGraw-Hill Company, Inc., New York.

Ramos, A.C. and Ramos, J.D. (2017). Exploring Life through Science
General Biology 1. Phoenix Publishing House Inc., Quezon City,
Philippines.

Reece, J.B., Urry, L.A., Cain, M.L., Wasserman, S.A., Minorsky P.V., and
Jackson, R.B.
(2011). Campbell Biology, 9th ed. Pearson Education, Inc., San
Francisco, CA.

OpenStax College, Concepts of Biology. OpenStax College.

25 April 2013.
<http://cnx.org/content/col11487/latest/>.

https://study.com/academy/lesson/cell-membrane-functions-role-
structure.html

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-
biology/chapter/components-and-
structure/#:~:text=The%20primary%20function%20of%20the,in%20and
%20out%20of%20cells.

16
 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF NEGROS ORIENTAL

SENEN PRISCILLO P. PAULIN, CESO V

Schools Division Superintendent

FAY C. LUAREZ, TM, Ed.D., Ph.D.

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Acting CID Chief

NILITA L. RAGAY, Ed.D.

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

ROSELA R. ABIERA
Education Program Supervisor – (LRMS)

ARNOLD R. JUNGCO
PSDS-Division Science Coordinator

MARICEL S. RASID
Librarian II (LRMDS)

ELMAR L. CABRERA
PDO II (LRMDS)

ANDRE ARIEL B. CADIVIDA

Writer

ANDRE ARIEL B. CADIVIDA

RAFAEL REX B. FELISILDA
Lay-out Artists
________________________________

ALPHA QA TEAM

LIEZEL A. AGOR
EUFRATES G. ANSOK JR.
JOAN Y. BUBULI
MA. OFELIA I. BUSCATO
LIELIN A. DE LA ZERNA
DEXTER D. PAIRA

BETA QA TEAM
ZENAIDA A. ACADEMIA
DORIN FAYE. D. CADAYDAY
MERCY G. DAGOY
MARIA SALOME B. GOMEZ
RANJEL D. ESTIMAR
ARJIE T. PALUMPA
LIEZEL A. AGOR
THOMAS JOGIE U. TOLEDO

17
SYNOPSIS ANSWER KEY

This self-learning kit discusses how

the structure and composition of cell
membranes relate to its function as
selective barrier.

Learners will explore fundamental

concepts related to the nature of cell
membranes. The discussions herein are
contextualized and thus meet the
standards of the K12 curriculum.

In using this learning kit, learners

are expected to develop their scientific
abilities and enhance their
resourcefulness and creativity
as they engage in various activities herein.
Hence, this learning kit serves as their way
of expanding their knowledge of the
things in nature.

Come and let us make learning fun.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ANDRE ARIEL B. CADIVIDA finished Bachelor of Science in
Biology at Negros Oriental State University Main Campus in
2013. He is currently teaching at Cansal-ing Provincial
Community High School as a senior high teacher, library
designate, and the focal person of the senior high
department. He is currently completing Master of Arts in
Science Teaching at Negros Oriental State University
Graduate School.

18