Cell Membrane

Front

What is active transport?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others, maintaining homeostasis within the cell.

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 without using energy.

Front

What is a phospholipid?

Back

A phospholipid is a molecule that makes up the cell membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails'.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, moving down the concentration gradient.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of integral proteins in the cell membrane?

Back

Integral proteins span the entire membrane and are involved in transporting substances across the membrane and communicating signals.

Front

What is the difference between active transport 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 down their concentration gradient.

Front

What is a carbohydrate chain in the context of the cell membrane?

Back

Carbohydrate chains are attached to proteins and lipids on the extracellular surface of the cell membrane, playing a key role in cell recognition and signaling.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules spread from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.