Help increase science literacy by using this close reading assignment on the cell membrane! From a young age, students learn that the nucleus is the control center of the cell. DNA is housed in the nucleus, and that genetic material determines our phenotypes. However, none of that DNA can be read unless there is an environmental signal that first comes to the cell membrane. Students will read about how the cell membrane directs cell signals, the relationship between the lipid bilayer and proteins, and how the choices we make in our lives can determine which genes are turned on and off (epigenetics).

Included in your purchase are 2 versions of the article- lexile 1000 and lexile 900 for differentiation. Both versions are 3 pages along with 5 comprehension questions and an answer key.