Cell Membrane Structure and 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 support.

Front

Define diffusion.

Back

Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of materials from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration, requiring energy (ATP).

Front

What does isotonic mean?

Back

An isotonic environment has equal concentrations of solute and solvent inside and outside the cell.

Front

What happens in a hypertonic environment?

Back

In a hypertonic environment, water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink due to lower water concentration outside.

Front

What is a hypotonic environment?

Back

A hypotonic environment has a lower concentration of solute outside the cell, leading to water moving into the cell and potentially causing it to burst.

Front

What role do transport proteins play in the cell membrane?

Back

Transport proteins help large or charged (polar) molecules cross the cell membrane.

Front

What is the difference between passive and active transport?

Back

Passive transport does not require energy and moves substances down their concentration gradient, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their gradient.

Front

Define selective permeability.

Back

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