Cell Transport and Tonicity

Front

What is cell transport?

Back

Cell transport refers to the movement of substances across the cell membrane, which can occur through passive or active mechanisms.

Front

Define hypotonic solution.

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, leading to water entering the cell.

Front

What happens to animal cells in a hypotonic solution?

Back

Animal cells swell and may burst due to excess water entering the cell.

Front

Define 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 happens to plant cells in a hypertonic solution?

Back

Plant cells lose water and shrink, a process known as plasmolysis.

Front

What is 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 osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP) to occur.

Front

What is the role of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, maintaining homeostasis.

Front

What is a prokaryote?

Back

A prokaryote is a single-celled organism that lacks a nucleus, such as bacteria.