Cell Membrane Structure and Function

Front

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

Back

The primary function of the cell membrane is to protect the cell and regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Front

Define hypotonic solution in relation to cell membranes.

Back

A hypotonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than inside the cell, causing water to enter the cell and potentially leading to swelling or bursting.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, typically moving from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Front

Explain simple diffusion.

Back

Simple diffusion is the process by which small, nonpolar molecules move directly through the phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Front

What are the hydrophobic parts of a phospholipid?

Back

The hydrophobic parts of a phospholipid are the lipid 'tails', which are made of fatty acids and do not interact with water.

Front

What is the role 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

Describe the structure of the cell membrane.

Back

The cell membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates, creating a semi-permeable barrier.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

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

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

How do ion channels function in the cell membrane?

Back

Ion channels are proteins that allow specific ions to pass through the cell membrane, facilitating the movement of charged particles in and out of the cell.