FLASHCARD: Membrane Transport pd 8

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What is the main function of the sodium-potassium pump?

Back

The sodium-potassium pump actively transports sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, maintaining the electrochemical gradient essential for various cellular functions.

Front

What happens to a red blood cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, a red blood cell will lose water and shrink due to osmosis.

Front

What are the two main types of transport across cell membranes?

Back

The two main types of transport are passive transport (does not require energy) and active transport (requires energy).

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport that uses transport proteins to help move molecules across the cell membrane without using energy.

Front

What role do proteins play in the cell membrane?

Back

Proteins in the cell membrane function as channels, receptors, and transporters, facilitating communication and transport of substances.

Front

What is ATP and its role in active transport?

Back

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell, providing the energy required for active transport processes.

Front

Define passive transport.

Back

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

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to enter the cell and potentially leading to swelling or bursting.

Front

What is endocytosis?

Back

Endocytosis is the process by which cells engulf substances from their external environment, bringing them into the cell.