PLASMA MEMBRANE WORKSHEET – BUILD YOUR UNDERSTANDING!
This is not for collection but to help you to organise your learning and move at your own pace. You
should watch one or more of the recommended videos and discuss these questions with a partner in
preparation for class.
Recommended videos:
SnapRevise (Diffusion) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPcytpXvZBE
SnapRevise (Active Transport) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Acjt4mPT4dM
Amoeba Sisters (Cell Transport) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ptmlvtei8hw
Crash Course (Membrane & Transport) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPKvHrD1eS4
1. Examine this section of a cell surface membrane.
(a) State the functions of P, Q and R. [3]
(b) Which of these values represent the typical width shown by W? [1]
17.0 µm 1.7 µm 0.7 µm 70.0 nm 17.0 nm 7.0 nm 0.7 nm
(c) Membranes, such as the cell surface membrane, are described as having a fluid mosaic
structure. Explain what is meant by the term fluid mosaic. [2]
(d) Aquaporins are membrane channel proteins in plant and animal cells. They permit the
movement of water across membranes. Explain why they are necessary. [3]
(e) Some fatty acid tails of the phospholipids are saturated while others are unsaturated. What
effect does the proportion of these have on the properties of the membrane? [1]
2.
(a) Define the term diffusion. [2]
(b) State three factors that affect the rate of diffusion. [3]
(c) Polar molecules like glucose can cross membranes by facilitated diffusion. What are the
differences between this mechanism and ordinary diffusion? [2]
(d) How is osmosis different from diffusion? [2]
(e) Describe one similarity and two differences between facilitated diffusion and active
transport. [3]
(f) How does active transport differ from passive transport across the membrane? [2]
3. Examine the diagram below.
Use a label line and the appropriate letter to label each of the following.
P – protein for the active uptake of potassium ions
Q – protein for facilitated diffusion of polar molecules
R – receptor site for a hormone
S – hydrophilic heads of phospholipids on the internal surface of the membrane
T – molecule that modifies the fluidity of the membrane
4. Can you draw a labelled diagram of a section through a cell surface membrane to show how
phospholipid, protein and cholesterol molecules are organised within the membrane? [5]
