Passive Transport Concepts and Mechanisms

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the use of energy. It occurs along the concentration gradient, from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is a type of passive transport where molecules move 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 selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

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 cell membrane, resulting in no net movement of the substance.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes is lower outside the cell than inside, causing water to enter the cell and potentially leading to swelling.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes is higher outside the cell than inside, causing water to leave the cell and potentially leading to shrinkage.

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane against the concentration gradient, from low concentration to high concentration, requiring energy (ATP).

Front

What role does ATP play in active transport?

Back

ATP provides the energy required for active transport processes, allowing cells to move substances against their concentration gradient.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport that uses transport proteins to help move molecules across the cell membrane without energy.