Membrane

Front

What is active transport?

Back

A method of transporting molecules across a cell membrane that requires energy (ATP) to move substances against their concentration gradient.

Front

What is the glycocalyx?

Back

A fuzzy-appearing coating around the cell surface, primarily composed of glycoproteins and glycolipids, which plays a role in cell recognition and protection.

Front

What are ligand-gated channels?

Back

Protein channels in the cell membrane that open in response to the binding of a chemical messenger (ligand), allowing specific ions to flow into or out of the cell.

Front

What role does cholesterol play in the plasma membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize the structure of the plasma membrane by making it less permeable to very small water-soluble molecules that might otherwise pass freely through.

Front

What is cystic fibrosis?

Back

A genetic disorder that affects the transport of chloride ions in and out of cells, leading to thick, sticky mucus production in various organs.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

A passive transport process that uses specific transport proteins to move molecules across the cell membrane without the use of energy.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

The movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

The passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What are phospholipids?

Back

Molecules that make up the cell membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails'.

Front

What is the function of the plasma membrane?

Back

To protect the cell, provide structure, and regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell.