Cell Membrane, Diffusion and Osmosis

Front

What is the structure of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane, or plasma membrane, is made up of a lipid bilayer with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.

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.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of particles from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration.

Front

How long does diffusion occur?

Back

Diffusion continues until the concentration of particles in the system is equal.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Front

What happens to an animal cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

An animal cell placed in a hypertonic (salty) solution will shrink.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell.

Front

What is isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has an equal concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell.

Front

What role do hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions play in the cell membrane?

Back

Hydrophilic regions interact with water, while hydrophobic regions repel water, creating a barrier that regulates substance movement.