Cell Membrane Color Sheet and Build a Cell Membrane
Students color-code a schematic of a cell and its cell membrane structures. Then they complete the "Build-a-Membrane" activity found. This reinforces their understanding of the structure and function of animal cells, and shows them the importance of being able to construct a tangible model of something that is otherwise difficult to see.
Students learn about the animal cell and its componentsCopyright Wikimedia Commons http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/0312_Animal_Cell_and_Components.jpg
To understand intracellular engineering, students must have a basic understanding of the cell and cell mechanics. Through this activity, students take a hands-on approach by identifying and shading cell components on a cell diagram, as well as building a cell membrane model. Through this exercise, they relate building and design with science structure. Buiding models is a common approach used in the engineering design process, especially to study or manipulate objects that are at scales too difficult to see. Engineers often build models of cells to better study and understand how their structure and functions are related.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Define the relationship between the structure and function of a cell membrane.
- Describe the different types of membrane proteins.
- Build a model cell membrane.
- HS-LS1-2 Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
Grades 9-12
This resource focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS:
Science & Engineering Practices- Develop and use a model based on evidence to illustrate the relationships between systems or between components of a system.Do you agree with this alignment?
Disciplinary Core Ideas- Multicellular organisms have a hierarchical structural organization, in which any one system is made up of numerous parts and is itself a component of the next level.Do you agree with this alignment?
Crosscutting Concepts- Models (e.g., physical, mathematical, computer models) can be used to simulate systems and interactions—including energy, matter, and information flows—within and between systems at different scales.Do you agree with this alignment?
Do you agree with this alignment? - Develop and use a model based on evidence to illustrate the relationships between systems or between components of a system.
- 3210.1.2 Construct a model of a prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell.
Grades 9-12
Do you agree with this alignment?
Each group needs:
- colored pencils
- tape and scissors
- different colored paper
- Animal Cell Coloring Sheet, one per student, available at https://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/cellcolor.html
To share with the entire class:
- Build-a-Membrane template and instructions, available at https://teach.genetics.utah.edu/content/cells/files/build-a-membrane.pdf
Students should have completed the associated Cell Membrane Structure and Function lesson and have a basic understanding of cell structures and their functions.
Ever wonder why things are arranged as they are? Is there a reason for it or are arrangements, such as cell organelles, just random?
In this activity, you will construct a cell membrane. You will also color-code a schematic of a cell and its organelles. Doing this will help you to understand where things are in a cell and why they are in specific positions.
Cells are the basis unit of life. Chemical and biomedical engineers study cells and their composition as part of designing innovative technologies to advance the medical health industry. However, cells are difficult for us to see, so engineers often build models of cells to better study and understand how their structure and functions are related.
Background:
Nanoparticle research has become a focus in the field of biomedical engineering due to its use for drug delivery and other applications. To understand what is happening inside of the cell, students must understand how the particles enter the cell as well as its structure. A model of the cell helps students see how cell membrane structure and function, and also provides the level of detail needed by engineers to facilitate ease of entrance in their designs. First, students use colored pencils to shade in a cell diagram. As they write down the functional part of each organelle, they begin to understand placement and arrangement. Taking this a step further, students construct their own models of cell membranes. These "membrane-pieces" assemble with those from other groups in the class to form a large cell membrane model.
Before the Activity
- Gather materials and make copies of the Animal Cell Coloring Sheet, available at https://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/cellcolor.html.
- Obtain from the University of Utah's Teach Genetics website the instructions and templates for the Build-a-Membrane activity at https://teach.genetics.utah.edu/content/cells/files/build-a-membrane.pdf. Make enough copies of the templates for all students. Either print out the instructions, or have students read them online.
With the Students
- Distribute the materials and worksheets for the cell coloring page.
- Make sure all students read the instructions carefully. This is a wonderful student-directed activity, so let them investigate and only provide instructions and guidance as they ask questions.
- Once students have completed the coloring portion, divide the class into small groups and direct them to the Build-a-Membrane exercise, following the instructions found at https://teach.genetics.utah.edu/content/cells/files/build-a-membrane.pdf.
- Conclude by assembling together the "membrane-pieces" with those from other groups in the class to form a large cell membrane model. Ask students the Investigating Questions.
- cell membrane
- A semi-permeable membrane that encapsulates a cell's cytoplasm.
- membrane protein
- A protein molecule attached to the membrane of a cell or organelle.
- organelle
- A structure in a cell that performs a specified task or function. Found in eukaryotic cells.
Cell Membrane Models: At activity end, grade students on their final cell membrane product.
Source of Animal Cell Coloring Sheet: https://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/cellcolor.html
Source of Build-a-Membrane activity: https://teach.genetics.utah.edu/content/cells/files/build-a-membrane.pdf
Dictionary.com. Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. Accessed June 21, 2010. http://www.dictionary.com
Contributors
Melinda M. Higgins; Amber Spolarich
Supporting Program
VU Bioengineering RET Program, School of Engineering, Vanderbilt University
Acknowledgements
The contents of this digital library curriculum were developed under National Science Foundation RET grant nos. 0338092 and 0742871. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
Copyright
2013 by Regents of the University of Colorado; original © 2010 Vanderbilt University