Transport Mechanisms in Cell Biology

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What is simple diffusion?

Back

Simple diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration without the need for membrane proteins.

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What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is the process by which specific molecules are transported across a cell membrane via protein channels or carriers, moving from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

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How does simple diffusion differ from facilitated diffusion?

Back

Simple diffusion does not require membrane proteins, while facilitated diffusion requires specific membrane proteins to assist in the transport of molecules.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of carrier proteins in facilitated diffusion?

Back

Carrier proteins bind to specific molecules and change shape to transport them across the cell membrane.

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What is active transport?

Back

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

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What is passive transport?

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

Front

What is the sodium-potassium pump?

Back

The sodium-potassium pump is an example of active transport that moves sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell against their concentration gradients.

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What is the main difference between active transport and passive transport?

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Active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, while passive transport does not require energy and moves substances along their concentration gradient.

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What factors affect the rate of diffusion?

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The rate of diffusion is affected by factors such as concentration gradient, temperature, surface area, and the size of the molecules.