Homeostasis, the Cell Membrane & Molecules Moving Through It

Front

What is homeostasis?

Back

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

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 passive transport.

Back

Passive transport is the movement of molecules across the cell membrane without the use of energy, typically along the concentration gradient.

Front

Define active transport.

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP) to occur.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What does selectively permeable mean?

Back

Selectively permeable means that a membrane allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others.

Front

What is equilibrium in the context of concentration?

Back

Equilibrium is the state where the concentrations of two substances are balanced and there is no net movement of molecules.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

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

Front

What is endocytosis?

Back

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