Cell Transport

Front

What is the lipid bilayer?

Back

The lipid bilayer is a double layer of phospholipids that makes up the cell membrane, providing a barrier that separates the interior of the cell from the external environment.

Front

What are protein channels?

Back

Protein channels are integral membrane proteins that allow specific molecules to pass through the cell membrane, facilitating transport across the lipid bilayer.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, driven by the random motion of molecules.

Front

What does semipermeable mean?

Back

Semipermeable refers to a membrane that allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others, thus controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Front

What is a solute?

Back

A solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution, such as salt in water.

Front

What is a solvent?

Back

A solvent is a substance that dissolves a solute, forming a solution; water is often referred to as the universal solvent.

Front

What is a solution?

Back

A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances, where the solute is evenly distributed within the solvent.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP) to do so.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

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