VCS Biology _Unit 2_Cell Membrane & Transport

Front

What is the structure of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane is primarily made up of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

Front

What does it mean for a solution to be hypotonic?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, leading to water entering cells.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

Water enters the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst.

Front

What is selective permeability?

Back

Selective permeability is the property of a membrane that allows certain molecules to pass while blocking others.

Front

What is the role of proteins in the cell membrane?

Back

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

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What is a phospholipid?

Back

A phospholipid is a molecule with a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails', forming the bilayer of cell membranes.

Front

What is the difference between hypertonic and hypotonic solutions?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes than another solution, while a hypotonic solution has a lower concentration.

Front

What occurs when a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution?

Back

Water leaves the cell, causing it to shrink.

Front

What is the function of carbohydrates in the cell membrane?

Back

Carbohydrates on the cell membrane serve as recognition sites for cell signaling and communication.