College of Arts and Sciences Education

General Education - Science

2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Week 4-5: Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO):

At the end of the unit, you are expected to

a. distinguish the importance of the cells and their transport mechanisms.

b. explain the important morphological and physiological characteristics
of plants.

Big Picture in Focus

ULO-d. Distinguish the importance of the cells and their transport mechanisms.

In this segment, the important terminologies related to the cells and their transport
mechanisms, which were denoted in the ULO-a, will be operationally and theoretically defined
to establish a collective understanding needed for discussing the topics. You will encounter
these vocabularies as we go through the details of the cells and their transport mechanisms.
Please refer to these definitions when you have difficulty in understanding some concepts.

1. Cellular Basis of Life

All living things are made up of one or more cells, the smallest unit that can carry on all
the life processes. Each cell requires energy and essential substances to carry metabolism
to sustain life. The multicellular organisms have an orderly organization of cells to form
tissues, organs, and organ systems that function together to keep the body alive.

2. Plasma Membrane
It is an essential part of the cell that encloses their contents and serves as a semi-porous
barrier to the outside environment. The membrane acts as a boundary, holding the cell
constituents together and keeping other substances from entering.

3. Phospholipids
It is a specialized lipid made of a phosphate “head” and two fatty acids “tails”. Water
attracts the polar end, and water repels on the non-polar end.

4. Lipid bilayer
This refers to the two-layer of phospholipids. One of the two layers of the lipid bilayer
faces the cytoplasm of the cell. The other layer faces the cell’s external environment.

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 College of Arts and Sciences Education
General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

5. Hydrophilic
One of the characteristics of the phospholipids is being hydrophilic, which means “water-
loving.” It is the polar end of the phospholipid or at their phosphate ends, which attracts
water.

6. Hydrophobic
It is the non-polar end of the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane that is considered the
“water-fearing” which is along their lipid tail regions. In each layer of a plasma
membrane, the hydrophobic lipid tails are oriented inwards. The hydrophilic phosphate
groups are aligned, so they face outwards, either toward the aqueous cytosol of the cell or
the outside environment.

7. Cell-Surface Marker
It reveals the cell’s identity. It has proteins and carbohydrates portions. The protein
portion or the glycoproteins helps coordinate the cell’s activity while the carbohydrates
portion identifies the cell’s type, such as the liver cell differs from the heart cell.

8. Cell Theory
It is a significant scientific theory of the life sciences that is universally accepted, which
postulated that all organisms are made of cells. It also presented that all cells come from
other living cells, and the cell is the basic unit of life.

9. Cell Transport
It is the vital activity of the cell to move the molecules in and out of the cell. The cell
operates various mechanisms in transporting substances such as simple diffusion,
facilitated diffusion, and active transport.

10. Simple Diffusion

This cellular transport permits the substances directly to the cell’s plasma membrane. It
always moves from high concentration to low concentration gradient without energy
expenditure.

In this portion, you will accomplish the Unit Learning Outcomes stipulated
in the Big Picture. This will be done for the fourth to fifth weeks of this course.
Your understanding of the following concepts is essential to proceed with
successive topics. You may refer to other available references to explore more on
the subjects. Thus, you are expected to utilize other books, research articles, and
other available resources in the university's library, e.g., ebrary,
search.proquest.com, etc.

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 College of Arts and Sciences Education
General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

LECTURE

Cell Structure and Functions

The cell is the smallest unit that can carry on all the processes of life. It is the building
block of all living matter. It is the structural, physiological, and biological unit of all life's
metabolism. The branch of science that deals with the cell are Cytology or Cell Biology. The
term cell is from the Latin word "celia," which means "small chamber." All living things are
made up of one or more cells. Each cell requires energy and essential substances to carry
metabolism to sustain life. The multicellular organisms have an orderly organization of cells
to form tissues, organs, and organ systems that function together to keep the body alive.

Living things can be group according to the number of functional cells. The unicellular
organisms are composed of a single cell. They are classified as microorganisms such as the
virus, the protozoans, and the bacteria. In contrast, multicellular organisms are made up of
many cells that include animals, fungi, and plants. Moreover, every species of plants and
animals vary in the cell's numbers and size. The human cells, for example, are estimated to
more or less 40 trillion cells, 80 billion of these composed the brain organ.

Every living tissue is made up of cells, which makes cells building stones of life.
Without cells, there's no life. Cells come in all different shapes & sizes to meet their functions.
There are at least 200 types of cells. The cell's form reflects its role, such as the nerve cell with
long extensions that send and receive nerve impulses (messages) to and from the brain. Each
cell has shape evolved to allow it to perform a function effectively.

Pictures below are three examples of the different morphology of animal cells: A. Cheek cells
B. Nerve cell C. Red Blood Cells.

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 College of Arts and Sciences Education
General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

The History of Cell Biology and Cell Theory

Events

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General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

The Cell Theory

1. All organisms are made of cells

2. All cells come from other living cells
3. The cell is the basic unit of life

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General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Basic Parts of a Cell

1. Plasma Membrane
- covers cells surface
- controls what gets in and out

2. Cytoplasm
- Jelly-like substance that contains all of the organelles

3. Nucleus
- Some cells have, some cells don’t
- DNA
- Controls all cell functions

There two classifications of organisms in accordance with the essential parts of the cell.
These are the Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes. What are the significant differences between
eukaryotes & prokaryotes? Eukaryotes have nucleus & membrane-bound organelles, while the
Prokaryotes have no nucleus, no membrane-bound organelles.

Venn Diagram of the Differences between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

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General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Plant Cells and Animal Cells

Venn Diagram of the Differences between Plant and Animal Cells

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General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Cell Organelles and Features

Eukaryotic cells (animal & plant cells) have many parts called organelles that function
together to keep a cell alive.

Organelles and Features Image

Plasma Membrane or Cell membrane.

Package a cell and regulate the transport of the

substances in and out of the cell. It is a
phospholipids bilayer that separates the inside
from outside of the cell.

Nucleus

- Stores and protects DNA

- DNA contains genes that are the instructions
for making proteins
- Chromosomes – made of DNA and protein
- Contains the Nucleolus where the Ribosomes
are made
- Nuclear pores allow RNA and other
materials to enter and leave
The nucleus

Endoplasmic Reticulum

- A network of thin folded membranes

where cell membrane and exported material are
made
- Rough ER has ribosomes that make
proteins
- Smooth ER aids in the production of lipids

Golgi Apparatus

- Receives modifies and directs new materials

made from ER

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General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Lysosomes
- Intracellular digestion
- Releases nutrients
- Breakdown of waste
- Lysosomes have enzymes that digest and
recycle foreign materials or worn-out cell parts
- Defend cell from bacteria and viruses
-
Peroxisomes
- They are oxidative organelles
- Contain the Hydrogen Peroxide that generates
and degrade substances in the cell.
- Perform an essential role in lipid metabolism.

Vesicles
-Isolate and transport specific substances

Cytoskeleton
- The framework of the cell.
- Support and shape the cell which composes of
Filaments (actin, intermediate and
microtubules)
- Involves in the movement of organelles and
cell

Mitochondria
- The double membrane that generates energy
for the cell by transferring energy from organic
molecules to ATP
- “Power House” of the cell
- Food converted into energy or Adenosine
triphosphate (ATP)
- Consumes Oxygen and produces CO2
- Mitochondria have their own DNA &
ribosomes

Vacuoles
- Sacs of fluid that store materials (water, food,
ions & enzymes)
- Plant cells have a large central vacuole
- When filled with fluid, vacuole exerts
pressure that can help support plant

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General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Centrioles
- Appear when cells divide in two
- Help form cilia and flagella

Plastids
- Organelles that are in the plant cells that have
a double membrane and own DNA
- Chloroplasts – contains the green pigment that
makes plants appear green and synthesize sugar
- Chromoplasts – contains colorful pigment
Examples:
- Carrot root cells contain carotene which
produces orange color
- Flower petals contain red, purple, yellow or
white pigments

Cell Transport Mechanism

Cells are continually taking in and sending out substances. Cells do not have to use
energy to move all molecules – Passive Transport. The permeability of particles to a cell
depends on the size of the molecules (electrolytes more permeable), polarity (hydrophilic),
charge (anion and cation), and the water and lipid solubility. Some substances require energy
to enter or exit the plasma membrane- Active Transport.

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General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

PASSIVE TRANSPORT

Diffusion

The movement of molecules in a fluid or gas from a higher concentration region to a

part of lower concentration. The concentration gradient is the difference in concentration of
a substance from one location to another. Molecules spread out or move from areas where there
are many of them to areas where there are fewer. Diffusion always moves down the
concentration gradient. When the molecules have spread out evenly, they reach a dynamic
equilibrium.

Osmosis – The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane.

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General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

There are three Possible Situations when comparing the different concentrations:

Tonic refers to the solutes

Isotonic Solution - Has equal solutes,

water moves into and out of a cell at fair
rates. The cell size remains the same.

Hypotonic Solution - Has fewer

solutes. Hypo`- means “less.” The cell
has a lower concentration of water than
the surrounding fluid. Water moves into
the cell.

Hypertonic Solution - Has more

solutes. Hyper – means “more.” The cell
has a higher concentration of water than
the surrounding fluid. Water moves out
of the cell

Facilitated Diffusion

If some molecules can’t diffuse through the cell membrane by themselves, they can get
help. Transport proteins give them a ride through the layer. Facilitated Diffusion means “to
make easier” and no energy required. Proteins help larger molecules (like sugar) pass through
the cell membrane.

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General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Ion Channels

Electrical and chemical signals control the movement of ions across cell membranes.
Proteins help ions cross through the cell membrane.

ACTIVE TRANSPORT

The movement of molecules from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher

level. This requires cellular energy (ATP). Why do cells use active transport even though it
costs the cell energy? Why not just use diffusion all the time? The cells get needed molecules
regardless of the concentration gradient to maintain homeostasis. Nerves, muscles, kidneys,
eyes, sweating, and many other processes use active transport mechanism for the movement of
the substances across the cell membrane.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

Actively transports Na+ (sodium) and K+ (potassium).Sodium (Na+) normally diffuses

into the cell, and potassium (K+) normally diffuses out of the cell. Sodium potassium pump
transports three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell.

Movement in Vesicles

Some molecules are too big to be transported through proteins. Endocytosis and
Exocytosis move large substances in and out of cells. Both require energy and are types
of active transport.

Endocytosis

It is the process of taking liquids or relatively large molecules into a cell by engulfing
them in a membrane. Cells take in large materials or liquids. Endo- means “in.”

-Pinocytosis – transports fluids.

-Phagocytosis – transports large molecules or whole cells.

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General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Exocytosis

It is the release of substances out of a cell by the fusion of a vesicle with the
membrane. It is a process that releases substances out of a cell by fusion of a vesicle with the
membrane. The method of ridding the cell of material by discharging it from sacs at the cell
surface. Neurons use exocytosis to pass the signal on to muscle cells

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 College of Arts and Sciences Education
General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Performance Task/ Laboratory Activities (Instructions and procedures will

be provided by the subject teacher.)
Laboratory Activity # 5
Laboratory Activity # 6

You can also refer to the sources below to help you further understand
the lesson:

• Mason, Kenneth A. (2017). Biology (11th edition). New York, NY
McGraw-Hill Educ.
• Johnson, George B. (2017). Essentials to the living world. New York, NY
McGraw-Hill Educ. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
• Starr, Cecie (2015). Biology: A Human Emphasis (9th edition). Australia
Cengage. Learning. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
• Cell Structure and Functions. https://youtu.be/URUJD5NEXC8
• Transport Mechanism of cell. https://youtu.be/ufCiGz75DAk

Since you already know the basic concepts in the study of the cells and their
transport mechanisms. Let us determine your understanding of the ideas
presented in the unit content by answering the following:

Activity 1 - Identification

1. ____________ Who named the basic unit of life?
2. ____________ Who proposed that plants are made of cells?
3. _____________Who stated that all the animal tissues were made of cells?
4. ____________ He suggested that cells only come from the other living cells.
5. ____________ Cell organelles that contain enzymes to digest and recycle
foreign materials or worn-out cell parts.

6. ____________ They function to make keratin, a hair protein.

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General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

7. ____________ They aid in production of proteins and lipids.

8. ____________ It is the control center of the cell that stores and protects DNA.
9. ____________ They modify, package, and transport proteins.
10. ____________ They link amino acids together to form proteins.
11. ____________ Organelles that generate energy for the cell.
12. ____________ Isolate and transport specific molecule.
13. ____________ Convert solar energy into chemical energy through
photosynthesis.

14. ____________ Plays an important role in positioning and transferring of the

genetic materials to the new cells during cell division.

15. ____________ Aids in the metabolism of phospholipids.

Activity 1.

In this activity, you are expected to give a detailed explanation of your answer to the
following questions.

1. The dispersal of ink in a beaker of water is an example of what process? Justify your
answer.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

2. How do sugar molecules enter a cell?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________

3. What kinds of materials enter a cell by active transport?

______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________

4. What is the difference between facilitated diffusion and active transport?

______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________

5. Compare and contrast the effects of hypertonic solution and hypotonic solution to the
cell.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

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General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Activity 1. Based on the discussion of the essential concepts in cells and

its transport mechanisms and the laboratory activities you have done, what do you
think are the three most significant lessons you have learned. Write your answers
below.
1. _____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Do you have any questions for clarification?

Questions/Issues Answers

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Cellular Basis of Life Cell Transport Mechanism Cell Organelle

Glycoproteins Hydrophobic Active Transport

Phospholipids Hydrophilic Diffusion

Lipid bilayer Polar and Non-polar Cell Theory

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