Cell Membrane & Cell Transport

Front

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, providing protection and structural support.

Front

Define simple diffusion.

Back

Simple diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration without the need for energy.

Front

What types of particles can easily diffuse across the phospholipid bilayer?

Back

Small, nonpolar molecules such as oxygen and carbon dioxide can easily diffuse across the phospholipid bilayer.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What does it mean when a cell is in equilibrium?

Back

Equilibrium occurs when the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What are phospholipids?

Back

Phospholipids are molecules that make up the cell membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.

Front

What role do proteins play in the cell membrane?

Back

Proteins in the cell membrane assist in transport, act as receptors, and provide structural support.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

A cell placed in a hypotonic solution will swell as water enters the cell due to osmosis.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, requiring energy.

Front

Define isotonic solution.

Back

An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes as the inside of the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.