Cell Membrane Flashcardizz

Front

What is the structure of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates, which help regulate what enters and exits the cell.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules 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 a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to enter the cell and potentially leading to swelling.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to leave the cell and potentially leading to shrinkage.

Front

What is homeostasis?

Back

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, including processes like diffusion and osmosis.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport that uses specific transport proteins to help move molecules across the cell membrane.

Front

What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize the fluidity of the cell membrane, making it less permeable to very small water-soluble molecules that might otherwise pass freely through.

Front

What are transport proteins?

Back

Transport proteins are integral membrane proteins that assist in the movement of ions and molecules across the cell membrane.