Cell Membrane and Cell 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 passive transport.

Back

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

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean for a solution to be isotonic?

Back

An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes as another solution, resulting in no net movement of water across the cell membrane.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport that uses transport proteins to help move molecules across the cell membrane.

Front

What are phospholipids?

Back

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

Front

Explain the term 'hypertonic solution'.

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing water to move out of the cell.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell, which can cause the cell to swell and potentially burst.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (usually in the form of ATP).

Front

Define diffusion.

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules spread from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.