Ch. 7 and 8: Cells and Cell Transport

Front

What is the function of a transport protein in cell membranes?

Back

Transport proteins facilitate the movement of molecules across the cell membrane, especially those that cannot pass through the lipid bilayer directly, such as glucose.

Front

Define facilitated diffusion.

Back

Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport where molecules move across the plasma membrane through a transport protein from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Front

What is the primary function of mitochondria in cells?

Back

Mitochondria are organelles that convert food into energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.

Front

What type of molecules can easily diffuse through the cell membrane?

Back

Small nonpolar molecules, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, can easily diffuse through the cell membrane.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What role do ribosomes play in cells?

Back

Ribosomes are responsible for synthesizing proteins by translating mRNA into amino acid sequences.

Front

What is the difference between active transport and passive transport?

Back

Active transport requires energy to move molecules against their concentration gradient, while passive transport does not require energy and moves molecules along their concentration gradient.

Front

What are the two main types of cell transport?

Back

The two main types of cell transport are passive transport (e.g., diffusion, osmosis) and active transport (e.g., sodium-potassium pump).

Front

What is the role of chloroplasts in plant cells?

Back

Chloroplasts are organelles that conduct photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

Front

Define concentration gradient.

Back

A concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance across a space, which drives the movement of molecules from high to low concentration.