Homeostasis and Cellular Transport Flashcard

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 passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the use of energy, typically moving from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Front

Define osmosis.

Back

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

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is the process by which molecules pass through a membrane via a specific transport protein, without the use of energy.

Front

What role does ATP play in active transport?

Back

ATP provides the energy required to move molecules against their concentration gradient during active transport.

Front

What is the concentration gradient?

Back

The concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance across a space, which drives the movement of molecules.

Front

Explain the difference between active and passive transport.

Back

Active transport requires energy to move molecules against their concentration gradient, while passive transport does not require energy and moves molecules down their concentration gradient.

Front

What is a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane is a barrier that allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others, crucial for maintaining homeostasis.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of water in cellular processes?

Back

Water is essential for various cellular processes, including nutrient transport, temperature regulation, and chemical reactions.