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 selectively permeable, allowing certain substances to pass while blocking others.

Front

Define isotonic solution.

Back

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

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, leading to water moving out of the cell.

Front

Explain osmosis.

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is a process where molecules pass through the cell membrane via special proteins, moving from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration without using energy.

Front

Define simple diffusion.

Back

Simple diffusion is the movement of small, non-polar molecules across the cell membrane directly, without the need for transport proteins.

Front

What role do transport proteins play in the cell membrane?

Back

Transport proteins help move substances across the cell membrane that cannot pass through the lipid bilayer directly, either by facilitated diffusion or active transport.

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 and moves substances along their concentration gradient.

Front

What occurs when a de-shelled egg is placed in a hypertonic solution?

Back

The de-shelled egg will shrivel up as water moves out of the egg into the hypertonic solution.