AP Biology Cell Transport

Front

What is the structure of the cellular membrane?

Back

The cellular membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with hydrophilic (water-loving) heads facing outward and hydrophobic (water-fearing) tails facing inward.

Front

Define osmosis.

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Front

What happens to cells in a hypotonic solution?

Back

Cells placed in a hypotonic solution swell as water enters the cell due to a lower concentration of solutes outside the cell.

Front

What is the difference between hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions in a membrane?

Back

Hydrophobic regions repel water and are typically made of fatty acid tails, while hydrophilic regions attract water and are made of phosphate heads.

Front

Explain the term 'selectively permeable membrane'.

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others, maintaining the internal environment of the cell.

Front

What is the role of proteins in the cellular membrane?

Back

Proteins in the cellular membrane assist in transport, act as receptors, and provide structural support.

Front

Describe the process of diffusion.

Back

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to leave the cell and the cell to shrink.

Front

How does water move during osmosis?

Back

Water moves from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Front

What is the significance of the fluid mosaic model?

Back

The fluid mosaic model describes the structure of the cell membrane as a mosaic of various proteins that float in or on the fluid lipid bilayer, allowing for flexibility and movement.