Cell Membrane/Cell Transport/Tonicity Unit Review

Front

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, providing protection and support.

Front

Define osmosis.

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration.

Front

What does isotonic mean in terms of solute concentration?

Back

Isotonic means that the solute concentration is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What happens to a plant cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water enters the plant cell, causing it to swell and become turgid, which is ideal for plant cells.

Front

What is the difference between diffusion and osmosis?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of solute particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, while osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to leave the cell.

Front

Explain the process of exocytosis.

Back

Exocytosis is the process by which a cell expels materials in vesicles that fuse with the cell membrane, releasing their contents outside the cell.

Front

What is the significance of the SA:V ratio in cells?

Back

The surface area to volume (SA:V) ratio is important because it affects the efficiency of transport of materials in and out of the cell; smaller cells have a higher SA:V ratio.

Front

Define endocytosis.

Back

Endocytosis is the process by which cells take in substances by engulfing them in a vesicle formed from the cell membrane.

Front

What is the role of protein pumps in cell transport?

Back

Protein pumps are integral membrane proteins that move ions and molecules across the cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.