| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Biology |
| Lesson Topic: describe the ultrastructure of striated muscle with reference to sarcomere structure using electron micrographs and diagrams |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the ultrastructure of striated muscle, identifying sarcomere zones (Z‑disc, I‑band, A‑band, H‑zone, M‑line) in diagrams and electron micrographs.
- Explain how the arrangement of thick and thin filaments produces the characteristic banding pattern.
- Analyse electron micrograph images to locate key sarcomere components and relate them to muscle contraction mechanisms.
- Compare the roles of titin and nebulin in sarcomere stability and elasticity.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- Laptop with PowerPoint presentation
- Printed handouts of sarcomere diagrams and electron micrographs
- Whiteboard and markers
- Labeling worksheets (paper or digital)
- Optional: microscope slides of skeletal muscle tissue
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “What structures give skeletal muscle its striped appearance?” Students recall prior learning on muscle anatomy. Explain that today they will examine the ultrastructure of striated muscle using electron micrographs and diagrams, and will be able to label each sarcomere region by the end of the lesson.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5 min): Students label a blank sarcomere diagram from memory; teacher collects for a quick check.
- Mini‑lecture (15 min): Overview of sarcomere hierarchy and banding using PowerPoint slides with diagrams.
- Guided analysis (20 min): Pairs examine provided electron micrograph and labeled diagram, identifying Z‑disc, I‑band, A‑band, H‑zone, and M‑line while discussing protein composition.
- Interactive quiz (10 min): Whole‑class Kahoot poll on functions of each sarcomere region.
- Application task (10 min): Short problem calculating expected sarcomere shortening using the sliding‑filament equation.
- Formative check (5 min): Exit ticket – one sentence summarising how sarcomere structure relates to muscle contraction.
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Conclusion:
Summarise that the sarcomere’s ordered arrangement of thick and thin filaments creates the visible striations and drives contraction via sliding‑filament mechanisms. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding. For homework, assign a worksheet to label a new electron micrograph and answer short‑answer questions on the roles of titin and nebulin.
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