Cell Membrane and Transport Mechanisms

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 diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of particles across a cell membrane without the use of energy, typically from high to low concentration.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of particles against a concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP) to move substances from low to high concentration.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst.

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 endocytosis?

Back

Endocytosis is the process by which cells take in substances by engulfing them in a membrane.

Front

What is exocytosis?

Back

Exocytosis is the process by which cells expel materials in vesicles that fuse with the cell membrane.

Front

What is the difference between diffusion and osmosis?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of solutes from high to low concentration, while osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water.

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has the same solute concentration as the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.