Membrane Structure and Diffusion

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the passive movement of substances from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Front

What does it mean to move down a concentration gradient?

Back

Moving down a concentration gradient means substances are moving from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Front

What is the plasma membrane?

Back

The plasma membrane is a biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of a cell from its external environment.

Front

What does selectively permeable mean?

Back

Selectively permeable means that a membrane allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others.

Front

What are phospholipids?

Back

Phospholipids are molecules that make up the cell membrane, consisting of hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.

Front

What role do carbohydrates play in the plasma membrane?

Back

Carbohydrates are involved in cell recognition and communication, often found on the extracellular surface of the membrane.

Front

What are membrane proteins?

Back

Membrane proteins are proteins that are either partially or fully embedded in the plasma membrane, playing roles in transport, signaling, and structural support.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of substances across a membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Front

What is endocytosis?

Back

Endocytosis is the process by which cells engulf substances from the outside environment, bringing them into the cell.

Front

What is the difference between diffusion and osmosis?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of any substance from high to low concentration, while osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane.