Membrane Structure and Function

Front

What does it mean for a membrane to be selectively permeable?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain substances to pass through while keeping others out, regulating the internal environment of the cell.

Front

What process moves waste products out of the cell?

Back

Exocytosis is the process by which waste products are expelled from the cell.

Front

What happens to a cell in an isotonic solution?

Back

A cell in an isotonic solution will stay the same size because the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cell.

Front

What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol molecules help to alter the fluidity of the membrane, making it more stable.

Front

What macromolecule primarily makes up the cell membrane?

Back

The majority of the cell membrane is made of lipids.

Front

Define diffusion in the context of cell membranes.

Back

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration across a membrane.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Front

What is the function of aquaporins?

Back

Aquaporins are channel proteins that facilitate the rapid transport of water across the cell membrane.

Front

Explain the concept of 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 endocytosis?

Back

Endocytosis is the process by which cells take in substances by engulfing them in a membrane.