Passive Transport: Simple, Facilitated, and Osmosis

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the use of energy, relying on concentration gradients.

Front

Define homeostasis.

Back

Homeostasis is the process by which a cell or organism maintains a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Front

What role does the plasma membrane play in homeostasis?

Back

The plasma membrane controls which molecules enter and exit the cell, thus contributing to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is the process of diffusion of larger molecules through the cell membrane from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration with the help of transport proteins, without the use of energy.

Front

Give an example of passive transport.

Back

An example of passive transport is the diffusion of oxygen molecules from inside a plant leaf (high concentration) to the atmosphere (low concentration).

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion?

Back

Simple diffusion involves the movement of small, nonpolar molecules directly through the lipid bilayer, while facilitated diffusion requires transport proteins for larger or polar molecules.

Front

What is the significance of concentration gradients in passive transport?

Back

Concentration gradients drive passive transport, allowing molecules to move from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration without energy expenditure.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (usually in the form of ATP).

Front

What is a transport protein?

Back

A transport protein is a protein that helps move substances across a cell membrane, either by facilitated diffusion or active transport.