Diffusion Flashcard

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

Front

What is the difference between active transport and passive transport?

Back

Active transport requires energy to move molecules against their concentration gradient, while passive transport does not require energy and moves molecules along their concentration gradient.

Front

What type of molecules can pass through the cell membrane via simple diffusion?

Back

Small and nonpolar molecules can pass through the cell membrane via simple diffusion.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport that allows large, charged, or polar molecules to pass through the cell membrane via integral proteins.

Front

In which direction do solute molecules move during simple diffusion?

Back

Solute molecules move from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

Front

What is the role of integral proteins in facilitated diffusion?

Back

Integral proteins provide a pathway for large, charged, or polar molecules to cross the cell membrane.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane.

Front

What is the concentration gradient?

Back

The concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance between two areas.

Front

What is the significance of the term 'selectively permeable' in relation to cell membranes?

Back

Selectively permeable means that the cell membrane allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink.