Amoeba Sisters: Cell Transport

Front

What are the nonpolar tails in a cell membrane?

Back

The nonpolar tails are hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts of phospholipids that face inward, away from water, forming the interior of the cell membrane.

Front

What does it mean for a side of the membrane to have a high concentration?

Back

A high concentration means that there are more molecules of a substance in that area compared to another area, leading to a concentration gradient.

Front

What are the polar heads in a cell membrane?

Back

The polar heads are hydrophilic (water-attracting) parts of phospholipids that face outward, towards the water inside and outside the cell.

Front

What is simple diffusion?

Back

Simple diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration without the use of energy.

Front

What is the role of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell, maintaining homeostasis.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between passive and active transport?

Back

Passive transport does not require energy and moves substances down their concentration gradient, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What is a concentration gradient?

Back

A concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance across a space, which drives the movement of molecules.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport that uses protein channels to help move molecules across the cell membrane.