Cell Membrane and 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, maintaining homeostasis.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What are the main components of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane is primarily composed of lipids (phospholipids), proteins, and carbohydrates.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of substances across the cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across the cell membrane without the use of energy, following the concentration gradient.

Front

Define osmosis.

Back

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

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

A cell in a hypertonic solution will shrink as water moves out of the cell.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

A cell in a hypotonic solution will swell and may burst (lyse) as water moves into the cell.

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

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

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.