Cell Membrane and Transport

Front

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, providing protection and support.

Front

Define facilitated diffusion.

Back

Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport that uses channel or carrier proteins to help move substances across the cell membrane without energy.

Front

What are channel proteins?

Back

Channel proteins are integral membrane proteins that form pores in the cell membrane, allowing specific molecules to pass through.

Front

What does hypotonic mean in relation to cell solutions?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to enter the cell and potentially leading to swelling.

Front

What is the difference between hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances?

Back

Hydrophobic substances repel water and do not mix with it, while hydrophilic substances are attracted to water and can dissolve in it.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, relying on concentration gradients.

Front

Explain the role of carrier proteins in facilitated diffusion.

Back

Carrier proteins bind to specific molecules and change shape to transport them across the cell membrane.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, the concentration of solutes outside the cell is higher, causing water to leave the cell and leading to cell shrinkage.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

Define selective permeability.

Back

Selective permeability is the property of a cell membrane that allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others.