The Cell Membrane and Passive Transport

Front

What term best describes the cell membrane?

Back

Semi-permeable: A membrane that allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others.

Front

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

Back

To control what enters and leaves the cell.

Front

What is the primary component of the cell membrane?

Back

Phospholipids: A type of lipid that forms the bilayer of the cell membrane.

Front

How are phospholipids arranged in the plasma membrane?

Back

In a bi-layer structure, with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

A solution where the concentration of solutes is the same on both sides of the membrane.

Front

What does 'permeable' mean in the context of cell membranes?

Back

Able to allow substances to pass through.

Front

What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Back

To maintain membrane fluidity and stability.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution.

Front

What is the fluid mosaic model?

Back

A model that describes the structure of the cell membrane as a mosaic of various proteins floating in or on the fluid lipid bilayer.