Cell Membrane Dynamics and Solutions

Front

What is the structure of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins and cholesterol molecules.

Front

What are the two processes that allow cells to take in large particles and release substances outside the cell?

Back

Endocytosis moves things into cells and exocytosis moves things out of the cell.

Front

What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol maintains fluidity and stability of the cell membrane.

Front

What molecules allow cells to recognize each other and act like ID tags?

Back

Carbohydrates.

Front

What occurs for substances that can diffuse through the plasma membrane when a cell is in equilibrium with its environment?

Back

There is random movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Front

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

Back

To protect the cell and regulate what enters and exits.

Front

What are phospholipids?

Back

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

Front

Define diffusion in the context of cell membranes.

Back

The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration across the cell membrane.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Front

What is the difference between active transport and passive transport?

Back

Active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, while passive transport does not.