Cell Membrane and Cell Transport

Front

What is the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane is a biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the outside environment. It is selectively permeable, allowing certain substances to pass while blocking others.

Front

What does 'hydrophobic' mean?

Back

Hydrophobic refers to substances that repel water. These molecules do not mix with water and are typically nonpolar.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the need for energy input. It occurs along the concentration gradient.

Front

What happens to an animal cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink.

Front

What is the Fluid Mosaic Model?

Back

The Fluid Mosaic Model describes the structure of the cell membrane as a mosaic of various components (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates) that are flexible and can move laterally within the layer.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to enter the cell and potentially leading to swelling or bursting.

Front

What is endocytosis?

Back

Endocytosis is the process by which cells engulf substances from the outside environment, bringing them into the cell.

Front

What is exocytosis?

Back

Exocytosis is the process by which cells expel materials to the outside environment, often involving the fusion of vesicles with the cell membrane.