Cell membrane and Cell Transport

Front

What is the structure of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane is a bilayer composed of phospholipids, with hydrophilic (polar) heads facing outward and hydrophobic (non-polar) tails facing inward.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

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

Front

What is active transport?

Back

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

Front

What is the primary function of the plasma membrane?

Back

The primary function of the plasma membrane is to regulate what enters and exits the cell, thus facilitating cell transport.

Front

What happens to a cell placed in a high water concentration environment?

Back

If a cell is placed in a high water concentration environment, water will enter the cell, potentially causing it to swell.

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 role do proteins play in the cell membrane?

Back

Proteins in the cell membrane assist in transport, act as receptors, and provide structural support.

Front

What is the difference between diffusion and osmosis?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of solute particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration, while osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water.

Front

What is a concentration gradient?

Back

A concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance across a space, which drives the movement of molecules.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

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