Plasma Membrane & Transport Practice Test

Front

What is the primary function of the plasma membrane?

Back

The plasma membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, providing protection and support.

Front

Define diffusion.

Back

Diffusion is the movement of molecules 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 are phospholipids?

Back

Phospholipids are molecules that make up the plasma membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) fatty acid tails.

Front

What does hydrophobic mean?

Back

Hydrophobic refers to substances that do not mix well with water.

Front

What does hydrophilic mean?

Back

Hydrophilic refers to substances that are attracted to water and can dissolve in it.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, leading to water moving out of cells.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing water to move into cells.

Front

What happens to red blood cells in a hypertonic solution?

Back

Red blood cells will shrink as water moves out of the cells.

Front

What happens to red blood cells in a hypotonic solution?

Back

Red blood cells will swell and may burst as water moves into the cells.