Cell Membrane and Cell Transport

Front

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis.

Front

What are phospholipids?

Back

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

Front

Define hydrophilic.

Back

Hydrophilic refers to substances that are attracted to water and can dissolve in it.

Front

Define hydrophobic.

Back

Hydrophobic refers to substances that repel water and do not dissolve in it.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Front

What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize the cell membrane's structure and fluidity.

Front

What is a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others.