Cell Transport

Front

What is the structure of a phospholipid?

Back

A phospholipid consists of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails'. This structure allows phospholipids to form bilayers in cell membranes.

Front

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

Back

The primary function of the cell membrane is to control the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis.

Front

What are the main components of the cell membrane?

Back

The main components of the cell membrane are phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Front

What role do channel proteins play in the cell membrane?

Back

Channel proteins facilitate the transport of specific substances across the cell membrane by providing a passageway.

Front

What is the phospholipid bilayer?

Back

The phospholipid bilayer is a double layer of phospholipids that makes up the cell membrane, with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.

Front

How do substances move across the cell membrane?

Back

Substances can move across the cell membrane through passive transport (diffusion, osmosis) or active transport (requiring energy).

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, typically along a concentration gradient.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (usually in the form of ATP).

Front

What is the significance of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize the cell membrane's fluidity, making it less permeable to very small water-soluble molecules that might otherwise pass freely through.

Front

What are glycoproteins and their function in the cell membrane?

Back

Glycoproteins are proteins with carbohydrate chains attached that play a role in cell recognition and signaling.