Cell Membrane and Passive Transport

Front

What is the structure of a phospholipid?

Back

A phospholipid consists of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) fatty acid tails.

Front

What part of a phospholipid is hydrophobic?

Back

The fatty lipid tails.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the use of energy, relying on concentration gradients.

Front

What are two types of passive transport?

Back

Osmosis and diffusion.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Front

What macromolecule is embedded in the lipid bilayer and helps transport molecules?

Back

Protein.

Front

What is the function of proteins in the cell membrane?

Back

Proteins assist in transporting substances across the membrane and can act as channels or carriers.

Front

What is the hydrophobic region of the cell membrane?

Back

The hydrophobic region consists of the fatty acid tails of phospholipids.

Front

What is a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others.