CCT: Cell Membrane Lesson
Cell Membrane
The cell membrane is often referred to as the “Gate-Keeper of the Cell”. Why do you think that is? How is a gate in a fence similar to the cell membrane? Think about these questions as you progress through the lesson.
Cell Membrane a.k.a Plasma Membrane
The outer boundary of all cells is called the cell membrane, or plasma membrane. It is composed mainly of lipids and proteins. Its role is to separate and protect the cell contents from the environment and to regulate what goes into and out of the cell. For this reason, many call it the "gatekeeper" of the cell.
Watch the presentation below to learn about the gatekeeper.
What Might the Cell Membrane Look Like?
Try to label the cell membrane below:
Answer Key Links to an external site.
Cell Membrane Challenge and Before You Go
Practice Time! Use the knowledge you learned from the lesson to complete the practice activities below.
Before You Go - You Need To Know
The following key points are from the explore section of the lesson. You must know the following information before moving to the next lesson. This is just a summary of the key points.
- What is another name for the cell membrane?
- Plasma Membrane
- What is the cell membrane composed of?
- Phospholipids
- What model is used to describe the structure of the cell membrane?
- Fluid Mosaic Model
IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS (FREEPIK)