Fast and Curious: Cell Transport

Front

What is endocytosis?

Back

Endocytosis is the process by which a cell engulfs large particles or substances by wrapping its membrane around them, allowing them to enter the cell.

Front

What is exocytosis?

Back

Exocytosis is the process by which a cell expels large particles or substances by vesicles fusing with the cell membrane, releasing their contents outside the cell.

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 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.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules through a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Front

What does semipermeable mean?

Back

Semipermeable (or selectively permeable) means that a membrane allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others.

Front

What is the purpose of active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy, to maintain cellular functions.

Front

What is a concentration gradient?

Back

A concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance across a space, which drives diffusion and osmosis.

Front

What is equilibrium in the context of cell transport?

Back

Equilibrium is the state where the concentration of a substance is equal on both sides of a membrane, resulting in no net movement.

Front

What role do vesicles play in cell transport?

Back

Vesicles are small membrane-bound sacs that transport materials within the cell and to the cell membrane for exocytosis.