Cell Membrane and Cell Transport

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 structural support.

Front

Define osmosis.

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, leading to water moving into the cell.

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has equal concentrations of solutes inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What are phospholipids?

Back

Phospholipids are molecules that make up the cell membrane, consisting of hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Front

What role do proteins play in the cell membrane?

Back

Proteins form channels and pumps that help transport substances across the cell membrane.

Front

Define selective permeability.

Back

Selective permeability is the property of the cell membrane that allows certain substances to pass while blocking others.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Front

What is the significance of the fluid mosaic model?

Back

The fluid mosaic model describes the structure of the cell membrane as a flexible layer of lipid molecules with embedded proteins, allowing for movement and interaction.