Cell Membrane and Cell Transport

Front

What is the primary function of the plasma membrane?

Back

The plasma membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, providing protection and structural support.

Front

Define facilitated diffusion.

Back

Facilitated diffusion is the process of passive transport of molecules across a cell membrane via specific transmembrane integral proteins.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

A cell placed in a hypertonic solution will lose water and shrink.

Front

What is the difference between active transport and passive transport?

Back

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

Front

What role do protein channels play in cell transport?

Back

Protein channels facilitate the movement of specific molecules across the cell membrane, aiding in processes like facilitated diffusion.

Front

What is a 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

Explain the term 'concentration gradient.'

Back

A concentration gradient refers to the difference in the concentration of a substance between two areas, which drives the movement of particles.

Front

What is isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes as the cell, resulting in no net movement of water into or out of the cell.