Activities

1. Draw a diagram of a plant cell and label the cell membrane.
   
   
2. List a function of the cell membrane.

3. The table below provides information about some organelles and organs.  Based on this information, what organelle is missing on the chart and describe two additional roles of that organelle.

4. A chemical was sprayed on lettuce leaves to protect them from bugs. This chemical caused the cells to lose water. The chemical most likely damaged which structure in the lettuce cells? Explain your answer.
   
   
5. Molecules A and B are commonly found in many cells. Molecule A can pass through the cell membrane easily but molecule B cannot. Explain one way in which the two molecules may differ, that would account for the difference in ability to pass through the cell membrane and explain how this may help to protect the cell.

Answer Key/Rubric

2. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:

• Communication between cells
• Protective barrier
• Control of what enters and leaves the cell

3. Cell membrane
   Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:

• Communication between cells
• Protective barrier
• Control of what enters and leaves the cell

4. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:

The chemical most likely damaged the cell membrane.  When the damage was done to the cell membrane, the cell was no longer able to hold water within it and therefore the water began to leave the cell.

5. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
   Molecule A could be smaller than molecule B. This could limit the amount of materials in the cell so it doesn’t grow too large and burst.