Cell Membrane Structure and Function

Front

What is the structure of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane is a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates that provide structure and regulate what enters and exits the cell.

Front

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, provides protection, and facilitates communication with other cells.

Front

Define 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

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP) to move molecules from low to high concentration.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules spread from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is the process of transporting substances across a cell membrane with the help of carrier proteins, moving from high to low concentration without energy.

Front

What role do carbohydrates play in the cell membrane?

Back

Carbohydrates on the cell membrane are involved in cell recognition and signaling, helping cells identify and communicate with each other.

Front

What is exocytosis?

Back

Exocytosis is the process by which cells expel materials in vesicles that fuse with the cell membrane, releasing their contents outside the cell.

Front

What is endocytosis?

Back

Endocytosis is the process by which cells engulf substances from the outside environment, forming vesicles to bring them into the cell.