Cell Transport Flashcard

Front

What is cell transport?

Back

Cell transport refers to the movement of substances across the cell membrane, which can occur through various mechanisms such as diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.

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 active transport?

Back

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

Front

What is a concentration gradient?

Back

A concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance between two areas, which drives the movement of molecules during diffusion.

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 or crenate due to the higher concentration of solutes outside the cell.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst due to the lower concentration of solutes outside the cell.

Front

What is the role of the cell membrane in transport?

Back

The cell membrane acts as a barrier that regulates what enters and exits the cell, maintaining homeostasis and allowing selective transport of substances.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between passive and active transport?

Back

Passive transport does not require energy and moves substances down their concentration gradient, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.