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Science - Grade 8 - QED - Free Printable

Science - Grade 8 - QED

Educational worksheet: Science - Grade 8 - QED. Download and print for classroom or home learning activities.

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Here is the completed and explained worksheet for Chapter 7-3: Cell Boundaries:

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1. Name two functions of the cell membrane:


- Regulates what enters and exits the cell
- Provides protection and support (or "maintains homeostasis")

> *Explanation:* The cell membrane acts as a selective barrier, allowing necessary substances in and out while keeping harmful ones out. It also helps maintain the cell’s internal environment.

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2. The cell membrane contains ________ molecules that are embedded in the lipid bilayer.



Answer: Protein

> *Explanation:* Proteins are embedded within the phospholipid bilayer and serve various roles such as transport, signaling, and recognition.

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3. Why do scientists call the membrane a “mosaic”?



Answer: Because it is made up of many different types of molecules (like proteins, lipids, carbohydrates) arranged in a patchwork pattern.

> *Explanation:* The fluid mosaic model describes the membrane as a dynamic structure where proteins float in a sea of lipids—like tiles in a mosaic.

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4. On the image, label the:


a. Lipid bilayer → The double layer of phospholipids forming the main structure
b. Protein channel → A protein that spans the membrane with a pore (often shown as a tube-like structure)
c. Carbohydrate chains → Chains attached to the outer surface of the membrane (usually on glycoproteins or glycolipids)

> *Labeling Guide:*
- Lipid bilayer: The two layers of round circles (phospholipids)
- Protein channel: The large oval or tunnel-shaped structures going through the bilayer
- Carbohydrate chains: Branched structures extending outward from the top of the membrane

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5. What three types of organisms have cell walls?



Answer: Plants, fungi, and bacteria

> *Explanation:* These organisms have rigid cell walls outside their cell membranes for structural support.

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6. What is the main function of the cell wall?



Answer: To provide structural support and protection to the cell.

> *Explanation:* The cell wall prevents the cell from bursting under osmotic pressure and maintains shape.

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7. What are plant cell walls composed of?



Answer: Cellulose

> *Explanation:* Plant cell walls are primarily made of cellulose, a strong polysaccharide that gives rigidity to plant cells.

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8. One of the most important functions of the cell membrane is to ____________ the movement of dissolved ____________ from the liquid on one side of the membrane to the liquid on the other.



Answer: Control / Regulate, substances (or molecules)

> *Explanation:* The membrane selectively allows certain molecules to pass through, maintaining balance inside the cell.

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9. A solution is a ___________________ of two or more substances.



Answer: Mixture

> *Explanation:* A solution consists of a solvent (like water) and solutes (dissolved substances).

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10. Define diffusion:



Answer: The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.

> *Explanation:* This passive process occurs due to random molecular motion.

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11. When the particles are the same throughout, the system has reached ________________



Answer: Equilibrium

> *Explanation:* At equilibrium, there is no net movement of particles because concentrations are equal.

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12. Diffusion depends on _________________ particle movements, therefore it [ does | does not ] require energy.



Answer: Random, does not

> *Explanation:* Diffusion is passive—it uses kinetic energy from molecules but doesn't require ATP.

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## OSMOSIS

13. If a substance is able to diffuse across a membrane, the membrane is said to be ___________________



Answer: Permeable (to that substance)

> *Explanation:* Permeability refers to the ability of a substance to pass through the membrane.

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14. Define osmosis:



Answer: The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

> *Explanation:* Osmosis specifically involves water movement due to concentration differences.

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15. Isotonic means


Hypertonic means
Hypotonic means

Answers:
- Isotonic: Equal concentration of solutes on both sides of the membrane
- Hypertonic: Higher solute concentration outside the cell than inside
- Hypotonic: Lower solute concentration outside the cell than inside

> *Explanation:* These terms describe the relative solute concentrations between the cell and its environment.

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16. Because cells are hypertonic in relation to fresh water, __________________ produces a net movement of water into the cell. If that happens, the cell will become __________________ and can even burst.



Answer: Osmosis, swollen (or turgid)

> *Explanation:* Freshwater is hypotonic to cells, so water moves in by osmosis. Animal cells may burst (lyse), but plant/bacteria cells don’t due to cell walls.

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17. In plant and bacteria cells, what keeps them from bursting due to osmotic pressure?



Answer: Cell wall

> *Explanation:* The rigid cell wall resists the inward pressure caused by water entering via osmosis.

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## FACILITATED DIFFUSION

18. Cell membranes have ________________________ that make it easy for certain molecules to cross the membrane.



Answer: Transport proteins (or carrier proteins)

> *Explanation:* These proteins help polar or large molecules move across the membrane without using energy.

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19. When proteins help molecules move across the membrane, it is called



Answer: Facilitated diffusion

> *Explanation:* This is a type of passive transport that uses proteins to speed up the movement of substances down their concentration gradient.

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Final Summary:


This worksheet covers key concepts about:
- Structure and function of the cell membrane
- Diffusion and osmosis
- Tonicity (isotonic, hypertonic, hypotonic)
- Facilitated diffusion
- Role of cell walls in plants, fungi, and bacteria

All answers are based on standard biology curriculum content.

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