AP: Unit 2.4-9 Review Questions

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution is one that has the same concentration of solutes as another solution, typically blood plasma, which helps maintain equilibrium and prevents the net movement of water into or out of cells.

Front

Why are isotonic solutions important in medicine?

Back

Isotonic solutions are important because they maintain equilibrium and avoid the exchange of water to or from blood cells, preventing cell swelling or shrinkage.

Front

How do unsaturated phospholipids affect membrane fluidity?

Back

Unsaturated phospholipids contain one or more double bonds, which create kinks in the fatty acid tails, preventing them from packing tightly together and thus maintaining membrane fluidity, especially in fluctuating temperatures.

Front

What type of molecules can pass through a membrane via channels?

Back

Ions and polar molecules pass through the membrane via channels, as they cannot easily diffuse through the lipid bilayer.

Front

What happens to active transport if ATP is broken down?

Back

If ATP is broken down, molecules that rely on active transport would stop moving across the membrane, as active transport requires energy.

Front

What is the role of carbohydrates in cell membranes?

Back

Carbohydrates in cell membranes play a role in cell recognition and signaling, often attached to proteins or lipids to form glycoproteins and glycolipids.

Front

Define passive transport.

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between diffusion and osmosis?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of solute particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, while osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane.

Front

What is the significance of membrane potential?

Back

Membrane potential is the voltage difference across a cell membrane, which is crucial for processes such as nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.

Front

How do temperature changes affect membrane fluidity?

Back

Temperature changes can affect membrane fluidity; higher temperatures increase fluidity, while lower temperatures decrease it, potentially leading to rigidity.