Homeostasis and Transport Study Guide

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 the primary function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, providing protection and support.

Front

Define diffusion.

Back

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

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What is 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 active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, requiring energy.

Front

What is a stimulus in biological terms?

Back

A stimulus is any change in the environment that causes a response in an organism.

Front

What is a response in biological terms?

Back

A response is the reaction of an organism to a stimulus.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

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

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing the cell to gain water.