Cell Membrane and Transport

Front

What is a cell membrane?

Back

A cell membrane is a biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the outside environment. It is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

Front

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, provides structural support, and facilitates communication between cells.

Front

Define isotonic solution.

Back

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

Front

Define hypertonic solution.

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside, causing water to move out of the cell, leading to cell shrinkage.

Front

Define hypotonic solution.

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside, causing water to move into the cell, which may lead to cell swelling or bursting.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, relying on concentration gradients.

Front

What are osmosis and diffusion?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane, while diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport that uses transport proteins to help move substances across the cell membrane.

Front

What role do proteins play in the cell membrane?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between active and passive transport?

Back

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