Cell Membrane and Cell Transport

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 does hydrophobic mean?

Back

Hydrophobic refers to substances that do not mix well with water; they repel water.

Front

What does hydrophilic mean?

Back

Hydrophilic refers to substances that are attracted to water and can dissolve in it.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the use of energy, typically moving from high to low concentration.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane using energy (ATP), typically moving from low to high concentration.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion 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 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.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

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

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has an equal concentration of solutes inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What is equilibrium in terms of cell transport?

Back

Equilibrium is the state where the concentration of molecules is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement.