3.3 - Cell Transport

Front

What is cell transport?

Back

Cell transport refers to the movement of substances across the cell membrane, which can occur through various mechanisms such as diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.

Front

What is equilibrium in the context of cell transport?

Back

Equilibrium is the state where there is an equal amount of substance on either side of the cell membrane, resulting in no net movement of molecules.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which particles move from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, relying on concentration gradients.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

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

Front

What role do concentration gradients play in cell transport?

Back

Concentration gradients drive the movement of molecules during diffusion and osmosis, as substances move from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration.

Front

What is a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane is a barrier that allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others, crucial for maintaining homeostasis in cells.

Front

What is the difference between osmosis and diffusion?

Back

Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules, while diffusion refers to the movement of any type of molecules.

Front

What is an example of a substance that moves via passive transport?

Back

Oxygen and carbon dioxide are examples of substances that move across cell membranes via passive transport.