Cellular Movement: Exploring Cilia, Flagella, and Pseudopodia

Biology Grades High School 4:25 Video
Print Lesson Plan Watch Video

Lesson Description

This lesson explores the fascinating world of cellular movement by examining cilia, flagella, and pseudopodia, highlighting their structure, function, and importance in unicellular organisms and beyond.

Video Resource

Introduction to cilia, flagella and pseudopodia | Cells | High school biology | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 4:25
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Pseudopodia: Structure and function in Amoeba movement and feeding.
  • Cilia: Structure, function in movement and transport, and examples in unicellular organisms (Oxytricha trifallax) and multicellular organisms (lung cells).
  • Flagella: Structure, function in movement, and examples in unicellular organisms (Chlamydomonas).

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to describe the structure and function of pseudopodia, cilia, and flagella.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast the mechanisms of movement using pseudopodia, cilia, and flagella.
  • Students will be able to identify examples of organisms that use pseudopodia, cilia, and flagella for movement and other functions.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by introducing the topic of cellular movement and asking students to brainstorm different ways cells can move. Show the Khan Academy video "Introduction to cilia, flagella and pseudopodia | Cells | High school biology | Khan Academy".
  • Pseudopodia (10 mins)
    Discuss pseudopodia, focusing on Amoeba Chaos carolinense. Emphasize the 'false foot' concept and its use in movement and engulfing prey. Discuss the complex internal machinery required for pseudopod formation.
  • Cilia (15 mins)
    Discuss cilia, using Oxytricha trifallax as an example. Highlight their coordinated movement and function in movement and transport. Mention the example of cilia in human lungs. Discuss the unique characteristics of Oxytricha trifallax, including multiple nuclei and fragmented DNA.
  • Flagella (10 mins)
    Discuss flagella, using Chlamydomonas as an example. Emphasize the tail-like structure and its whipping motion for movement. Discuss the scale of the flagellum and its complex biological machinery.
  • Comparison and Conclusion (5 mins)
    Compare and contrast pseudopodia, cilia, and flagella, highlighting their similarities and differences. Reinforce the concept that cells are complex structures with intricate mechanisms for movement.

Interactive Exercises

  • Cell Movement Model
    Students create a physical or digital model of a cell using pseudopodia, cilia, or flagella. They should label the different parts and explain how they work together to facilitate movement.
  • Comparative Chart
    Students create a chart comparing and contrasting pseudopodia, cilia, and flagella based on structure, function, organisms that use them, and advantages/disadvantages.

Discussion Questions

  • How does the structure of each type of cellular movement (pseudopodia, cilia, flagella) relate to its function?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of cellular movement?
  • In what other organisms might you find cells using cilia or flagella?

Skills Developed

  • Critical thinking
  • Scientific communication
  • Model building

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following is NOT a function of pseudopodia?

Correct Answer: Sensing light

Question 2:

What is the function of cilia in cells lining the lungs?

Correct Answer: To move substances up or down

Question 3:

Which unicellular organism uses a flagellum for movement?

Correct Answer: Chlamydomonas

Question 4:

What is a key characteristic of Oxytricha trifallax's nucleus?

Correct Answer: Its DNA can be extremely fragmented

Question 5:

The word 'pod' in pseudopod comes from the same root word as:

Correct Answer: Podiatry

Question 6:

How do cilia primarily move?

Correct Answer: In a coordinated, wave-like motion

Question 7:

Approximately how wide is the flagellum of Chlamydomonas?

Correct Answer: 1/4 of a micrometer

Question 8:

What is the primary function of flagella?

Correct Answer: Movement

Question 9:

Which structure is described as a 'false foot'?

Correct Answer: Pseudopodia

Question 10:

What triggers Oxytricha trifallax to merge with another individual?

Correct Answer: Stressful conditions

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A(n) __________ is a 'false foot' used for movement and engulfing prey.

Correct Answer: pseudopod

Question 2:

__________ are hair-like structures that move in unison to facilitate movement or transport.

Correct Answer: cilia

Question 3:

A __________ is a tail-like structure used for propulsion in some unicellular organisms.

Correct Answer: flagellum

Question 4:

The unicellular organism, ___________, has a flagellum.

Correct Answer: Chlamydomonas

Question 5:

Cells lining the __________ use cilia to move substances.

Correct Answer: lungs

Question 6:

Oxytricha trifallax has two __________.

Correct Answer: nuclei

Question 7:

The study of the foot is called __________.

Correct Answer: podiatry

Question 8:

When Oxytricha trifallax mates, they mingle their __________.

Correct Answer: DNA

Question 9:

Amoeba Chaos carolinense uses __________ to move.

Correct Answer: pseudopodia

Question 10:

The width of a flagellum is about __________ of a micrometer.

Correct Answer: 1/4

Educational Standards

B.LS1.1:Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells. B.LS1.2:Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms. B.LS4.1:Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.

Teaching Materials

Download ready-to-use materials for this lesson:

Student Worksheet Classroom Slides Assessment Quiz
Add to Google Classroom

User Actions

Sign in to save this lesson plan to your favorites.

Sign In

Share This Lesson

Related Lesson Plans