Jeri Fontaine West Deptford High School Drexel RET Fellow 2008

NJ State Standards  5.1.A.4 (Scientific Processes: Habits of Mind) Explore cases that demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of the scientific enterprise.  5.4.A.1 (Nature and Process of Technology: Science and Technology) Know that scientific inquiry is driven by the desire to understand the natural world and seeks to answer questions that may or may not directly influence humans, while technology is driven by the need to meet human needs and solve human problems.  5.5.A.1 (Characteristics of Life: Matter, Energy, and Organization in Living Systems) Relate the structure of molecules to their function in cellular structure and metabolism.  5.6.A.6 (Chemistry: Structure and Properties of Matter) Know that many biological, chemical and physical phenomena can be explained by changes in the arrangement and motion of atoms and molecules.

Lesson Objectives The Students will be able to: 1.Cite bionanotechnology as an example of applied science, technology, and engineering. 2. Relate hydrophobic / hydrophilic tendencies and intermolecular forces to types of phospholipids 3. Compare / contrast elastic modulus 4. Identify functional groups that differentiate common cell membrane phospholipids (honors) 5.Assign formal charges (honors)

Background  Research Connections- studying the mechanical properties of liposomes as candidates for drug and gene therapies  Liposomes derived from phospholipids of cell membranes  Different phospholipids have different properties  The mechanical properties of liposomes can be studied with an Atomic Force Microscope

Activities Activities: 1. Discussion: Drexel research / poster: liposome mechanics 2. Anatomy of a cell membrane – ppt and questions a. Membrane bilayers: lipid heads and tails c. Phospholipids: hydrophobic / hydrophilic, intermolecular forces 3. Elastic modulus 3. Cooperative Learning a. Glycerophospholipids b. Sphingolipids c. Functional groups and formal charge (honors)

Questions  What kind of bonds are associated with polar molecules?  Why is the polar end hydrophilic?  What kinds of bonds are associated with nonpolar molecules?  Why is the polar end hydrophobic?

Assessment 1. Informal: Power Point Questions 2. Cooperative Learning 3. Phospholipid question on Chapter Test

Extension  Suggest and research an illness, disease, or condition that is currently being treated, or might be a candidate for treatment using liposomes as a vehicle to deliver the therapy.

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