Cell Membrane

Front

What is the main function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis.

Front

What is a phospholipid?

Back

A phospholipid is a molecule that makes up the cell membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.

Front

What does 'selectively permeable' mean in relation to the cell membrane?

Back

It means that the cell membrane allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others.

Front

What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Back

Cholesterol helps to stabilize the cell membrane's structure and fluidity.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

A cell in a hypotonic solution will swell and may burst due to water entering the cell.

Front

What is the difference between active transport and passive transport?

Back

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

Front

What does 'hypertonic' mean?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing the cell to lose water.

Front

What is the fluid mosaic model?

Back

The fluid mosaic model describes the structure of the cell membrane as a mosaic of various proteins floating in or on the fluid lipid bilayer.