Unit 3: Cell Transport & Homeostasis

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, occurring naturally without the need for cellular energy.

Front

How do cells benefit from diffusion?

Back

Cells benefit from diffusion by increasing the concentration of certain molecules, achieving balance with their environment, and decreasing the concentration of certain molecules.

Front

What are the main components of the cell membrane?

Back

The main components of the cell membrane are lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. Nucleic acids are NOT part of the cell membrane.

Front

What is homeostasis in the context of cells?

Back

Homeostasis is the process by which a cell maintains a stable internal environment by regulating what enters and leaves the cell.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

A cell will swell and perhaps burst in a hypotonic solution due to the influx of water.

Front

What is the role of proteins in the cell membrane?

Back

Proteins in the cell membrane help with transport, communication, and structural support.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between active and passive transport?

Back

Active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, while passive transport does not require energy and moves substances along their concentration gradient.

Front

What is a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others, helping to maintain homeostasis.

Front

What is endocytosis?

Back

Endocytosis is the process by which a cell engulfs material from its environment, bringing it into the cell.