Cellular Commute: Mastering Active and Passive Transport

Biology Grades High School 8:06 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the fundamental processes of active and passive transport across cell membranes, understanding the role of concentration gradients, energy expenditure, and key examples like the sodium-potassium pump.

Video Resource

Introduction to passive and active transport | High school biology | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 8:06
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Passive Transport
  • Active Transport
  • Concentration Gradient
  • Electrical Gradient
  • Sodium-Potassium Pump

Learning Objectives

  • Define and differentiate between active and passive transport.
  • Explain the roles of concentration and electrical gradients in passive transport.
  • Describe the function of the sodium-potassium pump as an example of active transport.
  • Relate active and passive transport to cellular homeostasis.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by relating the canoe analogy from the video to the concepts of passive and active transport. Briefly discuss the importance of transport mechanisms in cells.
  • Video Viewing and Note-Taking (10 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Introduction to passive and active transport'. Instruct students to take notes on key terms and concepts presented in the video.
  • Concept Discussion (15 mins)
    Facilitate a class discussion based on the video. Focus on defining active and passive transport, explaining concentration and electrical gradients, and understanding the sodium-potassium pump. Use real-world examples to make the concepts more relatable (e.g., osmosis in plants).
  • Activity: Modeling Transport (15 mins)
    Students will work in small groups to create a model (diagram or physical representation) illustrating either passive or active transport. Each model should clearly depict the molecules involved, the direction of movement, and the energy requirements (if any). Groups will then present their models to the class.
  • Wrap-up and Quiz Preview (5 mins)
    Summarize the key concepts covered in the lesson. Preview the upcoming multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank quizzes to assess comprehension.

Interactive Exercises

  • Gradient Simulation
    Use an online simulation (if available) to visualize how molecules move down a concentration gradient in passive transport. Allow students to manipulate the concentration and observe the resulting movement.
  • Active vs. Passive Sorting
    Provide students with scenarios describing different transport processes. Have them categorize each scenario as either active or passive transport and justify their reasoning.

Discussion Questions

  • How does the cell benefit from having both active and passive transport mechanisms?
  • What would happen to a cell if the sodium-potassium pump stopped working?
  • Can you think of other examples of active and passive transport in living organisms?

Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking
  • Scientific Modeling
  • Data Interpretation
  • Conceptual Understanding

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which type of transport requires the cell to expend energy?

Correct Answer: Active Transport

Question 2:

Movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration is called:

Correct Answer: Passive Transport

Question 3:

A concentration gradient refers to:

Correct Answer: The difference in solute concentration across a membrane

Question 4:

The sodium-potassium pump is an example of:

Correct Answer: Active Transport

Question 5:

What molecule provides the energy for the sodium-potassium pump?

Correct Answer: ATP

Question 6:

Which of the following is NOT a form of passive transport?

Correct Answer: Sodium-Potassium Pump

Question 7:

An electrical gradient is created by differences in:

Correct Answer: Electrical Charge

Question 8:

In osmosis, water moves from an area of _____ solute concentration to an area of _____ solute concentration.

Correct Answer: low, high

Question 9:

What is the primary function of transport proteins in active transport?

Correct Answer: To bind and move molecules against their concentration gradient

Question 10:

Homeostasis is maintained in cells, in part, by controlling what enters and exits. Which of these processes is MOST closely related to maintaining this homeostasis?

Correct Answer: Active and Passive Transport

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

________ transport does not require energy input from the cell.

Correct Answer: Passive

Question 2:

A difference in concentration across a space is called a concentration ________.

Correct Answer: gradient

Question 3:

The sodium-potassium pump moves sodium ions ________ of the cell.

Correct Answer: out

Question 4:

The sodium-potassium pump moves potassium ions ________ the cell.

Correct Answer: into

Question 5:

________ is the diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane.

Correct Answer: Osmosis

Question 6:

Transport proteins are required for ________ diffusion because these molecules are unable to pass through the membrane on their own.

Correct Answer: facilitated

Question 7:

The powerhouse of the cell, ________, provides energy to cells, to fuel active transport.

Correct Answer: ATP

Question 8:

Positively charged molecules are known as ________.

Correct Answer: Ions

Question 9:

Moving a substance against a concentration gradient is ________ transport.

Correct Answer: active

Question 10:

Maintaining a stable internal environment is also known as _________.

Correct Answer: homeostasis

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.LS1.3:Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the importance of maintaining homeostasis in living organisms.

Teaching Materials

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