06 Cell Membrane and cell theory

Front

What is a cell membrane?

Back

A cell membrane is a biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the outside environment.

Front

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

Back

The primary function of the cell membrane is to regulate what enters and exits 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 does 'selectively permeable' mean?

Back

Selectively permeable means that the cell membrane allows certain substances to pass while blocking others.

Front

What is 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 diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Front

What are transport proteins?

Back

Transport proteins are proteins that help move substances across a cell membrane, either passively or actively.

Front

What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Back

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and organelles.

Front

What role do carbohydrates play in the cell membrane?

Back

Carbohydrates on the cell membrane serve as recognition sites for cell signaling and communication.