Cell Membrane and Cell Transport

Front

What is a cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane is a biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the outside environment. It is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

Front

What are phospholipids?

Back

Phospholipids are a type of lipid molecule that is a major component of the cell membrane. They consist of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails'.

Front

Define 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 across the cell membrane.

Front

Define hypotonic solution.

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to move into the cell, which may lead to cell swelling or bursting.

Front

Define hypertonic solution.

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to move out of the cell, which may lead to cell shrinkage.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the passive movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is the process of passive transport of molecules across a cell membrane via specific transmembrane integral proteins.

Front

What are channel proteins?

Back

Channel proteins are integral membrane proteins that form pores in the cell membrane, allowing specific ions or molecules to pass through.

Front

What are glycoproteins?

Back

Glycoproteins are proteins that have carbohydrate groups attached to them, playing key roles in cell recognition and signaling.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, requiring energy (ATP).