Newsflash! Transport Proteins on Strike!

By Dianne W. York

Abstract

This role-play case study teaches students about plasma membrane transport and the functions of transport proteins in the phospholipid bilayer. Students act out the parts of molecules and structures in a fantastical cellular world where the unionized transport proteins have called for a work stoppage. The concepts of diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis, and active transport are discussed. Written for an undergraduate non-majors human biology course, the case is also suitable for general biology, cell biology, anatomy and physiology, and high school biology.

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Date Posted

12/28/2011

Overview

Objectives

Explain the primary functions of the plasma membrane.
Describe the structure of the phospholipid bilayer.
Differentiate between active transport and passive transport.
Explain the role of transport proteins and how they function.
Name the types of substances that can pass freely through the plasma membrane and those that require the assistance of transport proteins.
Describe how osmosis is different from diffusion and explain what will happen to the cell under various tonicities.
Explain how the transport of substances across the plasma membrane affects major functions of organ systems, including the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the nervous system, and the digestive system.

Keywords

Plasma membrane; transport protein; diffusion; facilitated diffusion; active transport; osmosis; membrane transport; cell

Subject Headings

Biochemistry

Biology (General)

Cell Biology

Physiology

Science (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Role-Play