Cell Membrane and Transport Vocabulary

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Phospholipid

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A specialized lipid containing phosphorous, an important subunit in building the cell membrane.

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Hydrophilic

(water loving)

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The head of the phospholipid is polar and will interact with the aqueous internal and external environments of the cell.

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Hydrophobic

(water fearing)

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The tails of the phospholipid are non-polar and 'repel' water, making up the internal layer of the cell membrane.

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Aqueous

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Referring to containing water, typically a solvent - a polar substance

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Semi-/Selectively Permeable

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Some molecules can pass through, others cannot.

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Impermeable

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Prevents any and all molecules from passing through

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Homeostasis

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A process of maintaining a stable internal environment; equilibrium

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Cholesterol

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A steroid lipid that helps the cell membrane maintain flexibility.

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Protein Channel

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A protein that forms channels or 'pores' in the cell membrane to allow large, charged, or polar molecules to move in and out of the cell membrane.

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Protein Carrier

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A protein that will change shape (conform) while transporting large, charged or polar molecules across the cell membrane.