Cell Membrane and Cell Transport

Front

What is the primary macromolecule that makes up the cell membrane?

Back

Phospholipid

Front

What happens to a cell when less water moves into it than out of it?

Back

The cell becomes smaller.

Front

What happens to a cell when more water moves into it than out of it?

Back

The cell becomes larger.

Front

What can be inferred about red blood cells if more water has moved into them than out?

Back

They are likely in a hypotonic solution.

Front

What is the function of phospholipids in cells?

Back

They are used to form cell and organelle membranes.

Front

What is the structure of a phospholipid?

Back

A phospholipid consists of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.

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 the difference between hypotonic, hypertonic, and isotonic solutions?

Back

Hypotonic solutions have a lower solute concentration than the cell, hypertonic solutions have a higher solute concentration, and isotonic solutions have equal solute concentrations.

Front

How do cells maintain homeostasis in relation to water movement?

Back

Cells regulate the movement of water through osmosis and the use of transport proteins.

Front

What role do transport proteins play in cell membranes?

Back

Transport proteins facilitate the movement of substances across the cell membrane.