Name:_____________________________________________ Period:______ Date:_____
Score:_______
Virtual Cell Membrane Lab
NGSS Standard(s):
● HS-LS1.A Structure and Function: Construct an explanation based on evidence for
how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the
essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells
I. Introduction:
The cell membrane or plasma membrane provides protection for cells. It also provides several
different functions such as:
1. Transport oxygen, ions, and nutrients into the cell
2. Transport carbon dioxide, ions, and toxic substances out of the cell
3. Provides some structural support for the cell
4. Holds proteins like glycoproteins which interact with other cells
5. Separate vital but incompatible metabolic processes conducted within organelles
II. Hypothesis: We understand that the cell membrane is like a gate that
protects the cell. Predict how this process would evolve if each cell contained
two cell membranes.
III.Virtual Cell Membrane Lab Procedures:
1. Access Cell Membrane virtual lab website:
https://pbslm-contrib.s3.amazonaws.com/WGBH/conv19/tdc02-int-membraneweb/index.html
2. Click to complete the table using
your knowledge to identify what happened to
each substance (oxygen - enzymes) as it travels
through the Cell Membrane.
3. Click on to check your answers
after each substance (oxygen-enzymes) is
completed.
4. Complete data tables.
IV. Use the Virtual lab to complete the following data tables.
Amount of Amount of Action that Passageway: Amount or
substance substance occurred: Ion Channel, type of
mode: outside the inside the diffusion, Protein Pump, substance(s)
osmosis, or Lipid Bilayer,
cell cell Aquaporin,
relocated
(Interstitial (Cytosol) active transport
GLUTtransporter
fluid) or Endocytosis
Oxygen
Carbon
Dioxide
Glucose
Potassium
Sodium
Water
Enzymes
Use the mode to review and describe the action of
mode: each substance into or out of the cell membrane. Describe
your findings and conclusions.
Oxygen
Carbon
Dioxide
Glucose
Potassium
Sodium
Water
Enzymes
Robert Hooke was the first scientist who
discovered present day cell membrane but which team of
scientists transformed our current knowledge of cell membrane
with the discovery of lipid bilayer?
