Cell Transport

Front

What is the lipid bilayer?

Back

The lipid bilayer is a double layer of phospholipids that makes up the cell membrane, providing a barrier that separates the inside of the cell from the outside environment.

Front

What are phospholipids?

Back

Phospholipids are molecules that consist of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails', forming the basic structure of cell membranes.

Front

What are hydrophobic tails?

Back

Hydrophobic tails are the fatty acid chains of phospholipids that repel water, helping to create a barrier in the cell membrane.

Front

What are hydrophilic heads?

Back

Hydrophilic heads are the phosphate groups of phospholipids that attract water, allowing them to interact with the aqueous environment inside and outside the cell.

Front

What is the function of proteins in the cell membrane?

Back

Proteins in the cell membrane serve various functions, including acting as channels for transport, receptors for signaling, and structural support.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

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

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across the cell membrane against the concentration gradient, requiring energy (usually in the form of ATP).

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 osmosis?

Back

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

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 in cells.