Cell Membranes and Transport

Front

What is ATP and its role in cellular transport?

Back

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is a form of energy used in Active Transport, which requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is a form of Passive Transport that specifically refers to the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane forms a boundary between the inside of the cell and the outside environment, regulating what enters and exits the cell.

Front

Define hydrophilic.

Back

Hydrophilic means 'water-loving.' It describes substances that are attracted to water and can easily dissolve in it.

Front

What do viruses require to reproduce?

Back

Viruses need a host cell to reproduce, as they cannot replicate on their own.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

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

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (usually from ATP) to occur.

Front

What is a lipid bilayer?

Back

A lipid bilayer is a double layer of phospholipids that makes up the cell membrane, providing a barrier to most water-soluble substances.

Front

What are protein receptors?

Back

Protein receptors are proteins located on the cell membrane that bind to specific molecules (ligands) and initiate a cellular response.

Front

What is the difference between hydrophobic and hydrophilic?

Back

Hydrophobic means 'water-fearing' and describes substances that do not interact well with water, while hydrophilic means 'water-loving' and describes substances that do.