AQA Biology Cell-surface membrane

Lesson objectives:
Describe the structure of the cell-surface membrane.
Describe the function of the various components of the cell-surface membrane.
Explain the fluid-mosaic model of cell membrane structure.

All resources included!

This lesson introduces topic 4 cell structure of unit 2 cells. The lesson begins with a retrieval practice that is aimed at retrieval of information from unit 1. The lesson continues to discuss plasma membranes. Students learn why the plasma membrane is partially permeable and why it is described as a fluid-mosaic model. Students will also learn the main role of the cell-surface membrane. Students then have to retrieve knowledge from unit 1, topic 1, to describe and explain the phospholipid bilayer. Once students have learned more about the phospholipid bilayer, students have a 4 marker exam question to answer (independent practice). Students then have to retrieve knowledge from unit 1, topic 1, to describe cholesterols role in the cell-surface membrane. Once students have learned more about the cholesterol’s role in the cell-surface membrane, students have two questions to answer (independent practice). Students then learn about the proteins as a component of the cell-surface membrane, learning about both integral and peripheral proteins. An exam question is provided for independent practice. Students then cover the glycolipids and glycoproteins as components of the cell-surface membrane. The lesson finishes with exam questions as a form of assessment.

A worksheet is provided for students to fill out.

This lesson is designed to follow Rosenshine’s Principles. It is not an exact replication of this principle.