BIOLOGY-CELL MEMBRANE AND CELL TRANSPORT

Front

What is the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane is a biological barrier that forms the boundary between a cell and its external environment, controlling the movement of materials in and out of the cell.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the process by which cells move substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy input, usually in the form of ATP.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the passive movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower 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 lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is the process of passive transport of molecules across a cell membrane via specific transmembrane integral proteins.

Front

What happens to an animal cell in fresh water?

Back

An animal cell in fresh water will swell and may burst due to the osmotic pressure causing water to move into the cell.

Front

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane regulates the movement of materials into and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis.

Front

What are phospholipids?

Back

Phospholipids are molecules that make up the cell membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails'.

Front

What is the role of proteins in the cell membrane?

Back

Proteins in the cell membrane assist in transport, act as receptors, and provide structural support.

Front

What is a concentration gradient?

Back

A concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance across a space, which drives diffusion.