Cell Membrane

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

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

What does 'selectively permeable' mean?

Back

Selectively permeable means that the cell membrane allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across the cell membrane without the use of energy, such as diffusion and osmosis.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy input, often in the form of ATP.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What does 'hydrophobic' mean?

Back

Hydrophobic refers to substances that do not mix with water or repel water, such as the tails of phospholipids.

Front

What does 'hydrophilic' mean?

Back

Hydrophilic refers to substances that are attracted to water and can mix with it, such as the heads of phospholipids.

Front

What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize the cell membrane's fluidity and structure.

Front

What are membrane proteins?

Back

Membrane proteins are proteins embedded in the cell membrane that assist in transport, communication, and structural support.