Plasma Membrane and Cellular Transport RR

Front

What is the plasma membrane?

Back

The plasma membrane is a biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the external environment. It is selectively permeable, allowing certain substances to pass while blocking others.

Front

What does 'selectively permeable' mean?

Back

Selectively permeable refers to the property of the plasma membrane that allows some substances to cross more easily than others, while restricting the passage of certain molecules.

Front

Define osmosis.

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solute compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to enter the cell, which may lead to swelling or bursting.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solute compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to leave the cell, which may lead to shrinkage.

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has an equal concentration of solute compared to the inside of the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What does the prefix 'endo-' mean?

Back

The prefix 'endo-' means 'into' or 'within'.

Front

What does the prefix 'exo-' mean?

Back

The prefix 'exo-' means 'out of' or 'outside'.

Front

Define active transport.

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, requiring energy (ATP).

Front

Define passive transport.

Back

Passive transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the use of energy, typically along the concentration gradient.