Explanation/Background of Topic
The plasma membrane, also referred to as the cytoplasmic membrane or cell membrane, serves as a biological membrane, which splits the inside of a cell from the external background. In the same manner as other membranes, the structure of the plasma membrane features both proteins and lipids (Gahl, 2019). The basic membrane’s basic structure revolves around the phospholipid later that creates an unchanging wall between two aqueous sections. The plasma membrane serves various functions in the body. For instance, it safeguards cells from their surroundings (Wong, 2009). Comprising of philosophic bilayer that features embedded proteins, it is usually permeable to organic molecules and ions selectively while it controlling how the substances move inside and outside cells. Plasma membranes need flexibility to allow them to permit particular cells, including while blood cells and red blood cells in changing shape while passing via contracted capillaries. Additionally, the plasma membrane is crucial when it comes to fastening the cytoskeleton in such a manner that the cell acquires a shape together with merging with the extracellular matrix together with other cells in an aim to assist in grouping the cells together to develop tissue (Alberta, et al., 2008). It also maintains the potential of the cells.
Interesting and Current Research on Topic
A recent research involving plasma membranes revolves around study by University of Groningen scientists. These have developed a sophisticated simulation on a segment of cell membrane. As opposed to a cell membrane comprising of between four and five elements, the simulation pertains to an actual membrane featuring 63 forms of lipids, the fatty molecules, which consist of the membranes’ building blocks. The initiative has created room for new studies. The research offers insights concerning the behavior of lipids in complicated cell membrane’s environment. The research targets fostering increased understanding regarding the behavior of membranes at molecular levels. With this research, it has become possible to understand that a membrane comprises of distinct lipid types that behave in a different manner hence function distinctly (Marrink, 2014). Nonetheless, the experimental approaches fail to assess the lipids with adequate detail to determine the role, although it is possible to achieve these by utilizing simulations.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Examples to Clarify and Teach
In clarifying and teaching about plasma membranes, the approaches worth adopting comprising of visualizing the membrane and bubble lab methods. When it comes to visualization of the membrane, the method would utilize analogies for assisting the learners in visualizing a cell membrane inside their heads. Here, the students would be told of how a cell membrane resembles a butter sandwich and bread. By pouring water on a sandwich, the students would realize that water would end up soaking via the bread and stop when it reaches the butter layer. When it comes to the bubble lap method, using the bubbles would serve as a fun means of examining the membranes’ properties since they comprise of molecules that feature both hydrophilic and hydrophobic sides (Becca, 2019). Here, the students would manage to learn about the flexibility of the membranes, their ability to self-repair, and ways in which materials travel in and out of the membranes among others.
Tips and Tricks for Remembering and Recalling
A mnemonic devise prevails for memorizing the information relating to plasma membranes. To understand this, Table 1 depicts terms that would help the students to understand the different functions of plasma membranes.
Table 1: Mnemonic Device for Plasma Membrane Functions
Conclusion
In conclusion, it evident that plasma membranes play a critical role in the body. They help with different functions of the body. Additionally, recent research has demonstrated the need for understanding the complex nature of the membranes. In addition, various approaches prevail for teaching about the topic together with mnemonic device for understanding their diverse functions. With this understanding, more emphasis should be directed toward cell membranes to determine their vital role in the body.
References
Alberta, B., Lewis, J., Roberta, K., Johnson, A., Raff, M., & Walter, P. (2008). Molecular biology of the cell. New York: Garland Pub.
Becca. (2019). 10 resources for teaching cell membranes. Retrieved from https://www.sciencelessonsthatrock.com/blog/10-resources-for-teaching-cell-membranes
Gahl, W. (2019). Plasma membrane (cell membrane). Retrieved from https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Plasma-Membrane
Marrink, S. (2014). Breakthrough in cell membrane research. Retrieved from https://www.rug.nl/news/2014/10/1003-doorbraak-onderzoek-celmembraan?lang=en
Wong, E. V. (2009). Cells: Molecules and mechanisms. Louisville: Axolotl Academic Publishing.
