Essential Idea
The structure of biological membranes makes them fluid and dynamic.
Understandings
Phospholipids form bilayers in water due to the amphipathic properties of phospholipid molecules.
Membrane proteins are diverse in terms of structure, position in the membrane and function.
Cholesterol is a component of animal cell membranes.
Applications
Cholesterol in mammalian membranes reduces membrane fluidity and permeability to some solutes (VIDEO).
Skills
Drawing of the fluid mosaic model (VIDEO).
Analysis of evidence from electron microscopy that led to the proposal of the Davson-Danielli model (VIDEO).
Analysis of the falsification of the Davson-Danielli model that led to the Singer-Nicolson model (VIDEO).
Key Vocabulary
Fluid mosaic model
Phospholipid bilayer
Amphipathic
Integral protein
Peripheral protein
Cholesterol
Glycoprotein
Glycolipid
Textbook Reading and/or Activities
Click HERE for a pdf of chapter 1.
Pages 27-31
Notes
A detailed set of notes, prepared by Bob Smullen, examining all of the IB learning expectations.
Essentially an online textbook outlining the entire subtopic in specific detail. Please use this resource.
Bioknowledgy Notes - A detailed set of notes, created by Chris Paine, examining all of the IB learning expectations.
Bioknowledgy Study Questions - A series of questions, created by Chris Paine, to help check your understanding of the IB learning expectations. This is VERY GOOD practice.
A detailed set of notes, prepared by Jacob Cedarbaum, examining all of the IB learning expectations.
1.3 Study Questions (NEW Syllabus)
A series of questions, prepared by Jacob Cedarbaum, to help check your understanding of the IB learning expectations. This is VERY GOOD practice. Answers (OLD).
Learning Activities
Membrane Structure and Evidence - Outlines the changes in our understanding of membrane structure examining evidence for the Davson-Danielli model and then the Singer-Nicolson model.
Membrane Structure and Notes - A detailed animation, produced by John Kyrk, outlining the structure of a cell membrane including specifics about the constituent parts.
Membrane Structure and Transport - Complete this worksheet to better understand the structural components of the cell membrane and the various forms of molecular transport enabling substances to cross the membrane.
Supplemental Readings
Must Watch Videos
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Should Watch Videos