Cellular Processes Review

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What is the significance of concentration gradients in cellular processes?

Back

They drive the movement of substances across membranes, influencing processes like diffusion and osmosis.

Front

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Back

To regulate what enters and exits the cell, maintaining homeostasis and protecting the cell's internal environment.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, resulting in even distribution.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration outside the cell than inside, causing water to move out of the cell, leading to cell shrinkage.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration outside the cell than inside, causing water to move into the cell, leading to cell swelling.

Front

What is isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has equal solute concentration inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, following the concentration gradient.

Front

What role do proteins play in the cell membrane?

Back

Proteins in the cell membrane facilitate transport, act as receptors, and provide structural support.