Cellular Structure and Function

Front

What is selective permeability?

Back

A key property of the plasma membrane that allows some molecules to pass through while keeping others out.

Front

What is a transport protein?

Back

A protein that moves needed substances or waste materials through the plasma membrane into or out of the cell.

Front

What is the cell wall?

Back

A thick, rigid mesh of fibers surrounding the outside of the plasma membrane in plant cells, that protects the cell and gives it structure.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

The net movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Front

What is the endoplasmic reticulum?

Back

An organelle that is a membrane system of folded sacs and interconnected channels that serves as the site for protein and lipid synthesis.

Front

What is the function of the plasma membrane?

Back

To protect the cell and regulate what enters and exits the cell.

Front

What are phospholipids?

Back

Molecules that make up the plasma membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

The diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

The movement of substances across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Front

What is dynamic equilibrium?

Back

A state in which the concentration of a substance is equal throughout a space, resulting in no net movement.