Cell Membrane and Transport Flashcard

Front

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane controls the entry and exit of substances, maintaining homeostasis within the cell.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

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

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules against the concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP) to occur.

Front

Define hypertonic solution.

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solute compared to the inside of a cell, causing water to move out of the cell.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

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

Front

What does isotonic mean?

Back

Isotonic refers to a solution that has the same concentration of solutes as another solution, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What is the role of ion channels in the cell membrane?

Back

Ion channels allow specific ions to pass through the cell membrane, facilitating the movement of ions along their concentration gradient.

Front

Explain the concept of concentration gradient.

Back

A concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance across a space, driving the movement of molecules from high to low concentration.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell, potentially causing it to swell and burst due to increased internal pressure.