SHS STEM - BIOLOGY 1

Quarter 1 – Module 5:
CELL MODIFICATIONS

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General Biology 1 – Grade 11
Quarter 1 – Module 5: CELL MODIFICATIONS

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Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

DEVELOPMENT TEAM OF THE MODULE

WRITER: Ma. Lota C. Monte

REVIEWERS/EDITORS: Rowena D. Manaog

Freddierick C. Apuli
Jade Alberto

LAYOUT ARTISTS: Jay Mark Base

Jonathan Roda
Jessica De Ocampo
“Describe some cell modifications that lead to adaptation
to carry out specialized functions.”
STEM_BIO11/12-la-c-5

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 CELL MODIFICATIONS

Cell specialization has contributed greatly to the adaptation

of organisms. Specialized cellular modifications are
alterations in cells that distinguish them from one another.
Cellular modifications are commonly found in eukaryotic
cells, where there is a need for cell specialization.

What are some examples of cell modifications and

their specialized functions?

OBJECTIVES:
In this module, you will be able to learn about cell modifications that lead to
adaptation for specialized function.
1. Identify some cell modifications.
2. Describe some cell modifications that lead to adaptation for specialized
functions.

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Self-Check

Directions: Match the specialized cell in Column A with their description in Column B.
Write the letter of the best answer.

Column A Column B

________ 1. Red blood cells a. It absorbs nutrients in the small

intestine.
________ 2. Sperm cells b. They have tail, the flagellum,
which propels it toward the egg
cell for fertilization.
________ 3. Microvilli c. A biconcave disc shape and
highly deformable. Allows for
easy movement through blood
vessels.
________ 4. Root hair d. Cells are joined in long term
association, forming tissues and
organ.
________ 5. Cell-cell function e. Elongated outgrowth from the
outer layer of cells in a root that
help absorb water and minerals.

How did you find the pre-test?

Please check your answers at the answer key

section and see how you fared. Don’t worry if you
got a low score, this just means that there are still
more things to learn in this module. So, hop on!

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

LET’S DO THIS!
Let us have some brain exercise. Your task is to
complete the crossword puzzle.
Good luck!

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ACTIVITY 1. PICTURE RECOGNITION
LET US EXPLORE MORE!
INSTRUCTIONS: Below the picture are rumbled letters, arranged the letters to
form a word.

L C E M R E P L S B O E L R E P L D D C O
1. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 4. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

R I A O T H O R M I L C L R I O V I

2. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 5. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

?
C L I I A
3. __ __ __ __ __
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ACTIVITY 2. ANALYZE, THINK AND WRITE
Direction: In the following matrix, state in one sentence the description and function of
the following specialized cell.
Specialized Cell Description Function

__________________

Sperm Cell

Red Blood Cell

Microvilli

Root Hair

Cilia

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 The following are some of the cell modifications that lead to adaptation to carry
out specialized functions:

Sperm Cell
Sperm cells are produced in the testes. The
sperm cell is small and streamlined, allowing it to move
easily and has a flagellum (a whip-like tail) that propels
it. The function of these cells is to fertilize eggs cells
during reproduction. Sperm cells contain half the
number of chromosomes as the other in the body.

Root Hair Cell

Root hair cells are found in the roots of
plants and absorb water for the plant more
efficiently. Water is a reactant used in
photosynthesis; the chemical reaction plants use
to make their own food.

Red Blood Cell

Red blood cells have a biconcave shape that
increases surface area. Their small size and ability to
bend allows them to easily move over the body.
These are used to transport oxygen and carbon
dioxide in the blood. They well-adapted for this
function because they contain hemoglobin which
reacts with oxygen and carbon dioxide, allowing them
to be transported around the body.
Microvilli
Microvilli, in the most simplistic
terms, are tiny little microscopic projections
that exist in, on, and around cells. They can
exist on their own or in conjunction with villi
(projections of some mucous membranes,
most specifically of the small intestine,
which are tiny folds that project out like
numerous fingers). It may sweep unwanted
materials toward a resorptive area of the
cell. They are also involved in a wide variety

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of other functions, which include absorption, secretion, cellular adhesion,
and mechanotransduction.

Cilia and Flagella

Cilia and flagella are
fine, whiplike/hairlike
structures that
extend from the body
of a variety of cells.
While they vary in terms of length and
numbers in different types of cells (as well as patterns of
movement), cilia and flagella are generally identical in structure
and composition. Cilia can e used for filtering air (in the trachea, for example) or for
movement while flagella are used for movement.

SCITRIVIA
People who have sickle cell disease have abnormal hemoglobin genes. This causes
their red blood cells to assume a sickle shape. Sickle-shaped red blood cells are not
flexible, and thus, they stick to vessel walls resulting in abnormal blood flow. This then
impedes the delivery of oxygen to the tissues, greatly affecting the health of patients.

JOURNAL
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________

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 You may refer to the following vocabulary
words used in this module:

Cell Modification/Specialized Cells

Microvilli are extensions on the cell membranes that help increase the
surface area of the cell, thus, facilitating increased absorption of
nutrients

Nerve Cells mostly elongated, facilitate the transmission of impulses from

the brain and the spinal cord to the different roots of the body

Cilia drive air impurities or foreign particles; some are used for
movement

Sperm Cell have a tail, the flagellum which propels it toward the egg for
fertilization

Root hairs elongated outgrowths from the outer layer of cells in a root that
help absorb water and mineral

Cell-cell the points whose two cells come together

junctions

Red blood cells have a biconcave disc shape, and are highly deformable

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What I Have Learned!
Directions: On the lines below, write about what you’ve learned by doing the activities. Be as
specific as possible and use complete sentences.

1. Let me tell you some of the important things I’ve learned about cell modification.
First, I’ll start with identifying at least five specialized cells.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

2. Next, I’ll tell you the specialized function of each cell.

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

3. Lastly, I now really know about and understand that specialized cells.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

CONGRATULATIONS! You are now ready to proceed to the next module.

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 1. C
2. B
3. A
4. E
5. D

Learning Activities Answer Keys

ENGAGE: Crossword Puzzle

1. Cilia
2. Sperm cell
3. Red blood cell
4. Root hairs
5. Microvilli

EXPLORE: ACT. 1: PICTURE RECOGNITION

1. Sperm cell
2. Root hair
3. Cilia
4. Red blood cell
5. Microvilli
ACTIVITY 2: ANALYZE, THINK and WRITE
Specialized Cell Description Function
• Has tail, which is • Its tail propels
the flagella towards the egg
cell for fertlization

Sperm Cell

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 • Biconcave disc- • Allows easy
shaped movement through
blood cells

Red Blood Cell

• Tiny folds that • Absorption, secre
project out like tion, cellular
numerous adhesion,
fingers and mechanotrans
duction.

Microvilli
• Elongated • Helps absorb water
outgrowths from and minerals
the outer layer
of cells

Root Hair
• Tiny hairs • Used for filtering
and movement

Cilia

1. Any of the following:

Microvilli, nerve cells, cilia, sperm cells, root hairs, cell-cell junctions, red
blood cells

2. Any of the following:

Microvilli – extensions on the cell membranes that help increase the
surface area of the cell, thus facilitating increased absorption of nutrients
Nerve cells – mostly elongated, facilitate the transmission of impulsion
from the brain and the spinal cord to the different parts of the bag

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 Cilia – Drive air impurities or foreign particles
Sperm cells – Have a tail, the flagellum, which propels it towards the egg
cell for fertilization
Root hairs - elongated outgrowths from the outer layers of cells in a root
that help absorb water and minerals
Cell-cell junctions – the points where two cells come together
Red blood cells – have a biconcave disc shape, and are highly deformed

3. Answers may vary

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PHOTOS:

Cover photo: retrieved from https://pedclerk.bsd.uchicago.edu/page/trisomy-

18-edwards-trisomy-13-patau
Teacher clip art: retrieved from https://www.hiclipart.com/free-transparent-
background-png-clipart-supbx
Picture, surgical mask: retrieved from https://www.pngfuel.com/free-png/gxyyt
Sperm cell image: retrieved from
https://www.freepik.com/premium-vector/sperm-cell-anatomy-education-
fertility_7291060.htm

Red blood cell image: retrieved from

https://www.verywellhealth.com/erythrocytosis-401324
Microvilli image: retrieved from
https://depositphotos.com/65093091/stock-illustration-structure-of-villi-and-
microvilli.html
Root hair image: retrieved from
https://www.towergarden.com/content/dam/towergarden/resources/lesson-
plans/all-grade-2-and-up-lesson-plans-PPTS.pdf
Cilia image: retrieved from
https://microbenotes.com/cilia-and-flagella-structure-and-functions/
Sickle cell diseases image: retrieved from
https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/art/large/sickled-cells.jpeg

Books:
Commission on Higher Education, (2016). Teaching Guide for Senior High
School, GENERAL BIOLOGY 1, pg. 36-44.

General Biology 1, Textbook for Senior High School. Vibal Group Inc. pg. 112-
128

Internet:
https://dnascience.plos.org/2018/07/12/telomere-testing-science-or-snake-oil/

https://www.news-medical.net/health/Chromosomal-Abnormalities.aspx

https://www.merriam-webster.com/

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