Cell Membrane/Transport

Front

What is the function of a Channel Protein?

Back

Channel proteins facilitate the transport of specific substances across a cell membrane by forming a pore that allows molecules to pass through.

Front

What is a Phospholipid?

Back

A phospholipid is a type of lipid molecule that is a major component of cell membranes, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails'.

Front

What is the Phospholipid Bilayer?

Back

The phospholipid bilayer is a double layer of phospholipids that makes up the cell membrane, providing a barrier that separates the inside of the cell from the outside environment.

Front

What does the term 'Selective Permeability' mean?

Back

Selective permeability refers to the ability of the cell membrane to allow certain substances to pass through while blocking others, thus maintaining homeostasis.

Front

What role do Marker Proteins play in the cell membrane?

Back

Marker proteins, also known as recognition proteins, help identify the cell to other cells and are involved in cell signaling.

Front

What is the role of Cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize the cell membrane's fluidity, making it less permeable to very small water-soluble molecules that might otherwise pass freely through.

Front

What happens to a molecule when it moves from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration?

Back

This process is known as diffusion, and it occurs until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is Osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Front

What is the difference between Active Transport and Passive Transport?

Back

Active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, while passive transport does not require energy and moves substances along their concentration gradient.

Front

What is Endocytosis?

Back

Endocytosis is the process by which cells engulf substances from their external environment, bringing them into the cell.