Cell Membrane & Cell Transport

Front

What is the function of a protein channel in the cell membrane?

Back

Protein channels facilitate the transport of specific substances across the cell membrane, allowing molecules that cannot pass through the lipid bilayer to enter or exit the cell.

Front

Define osmosis.

Back

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

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is the process by which substances move across the cell membrane with the help of transport proteins, without the use of energy.

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 does it mean for a solution to be hypertonic?

Back

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

Front

What is a peripheral protein?

Back

Peripheral proteins are proteins that are attached to the exterior or interior surfaces of the cell membrane and play roles in signaling and maintaining the cell's shape.

Front

What role do receptor proteins play in the cell membrane?

Back

Receptor proteins bind to specific molecules (ligands) outside the cell, triggering a response inside the cell, such as a change in cellular activity.

Front

What is the significance of recognition proteins in the cell membrane?

Back

Recognition proteins help the immune system identify foreign cells and pathogens, playing a crucial role in cell communication and immune response.

Front

What is simple diffusion?

Back

Simple diffusion is the process by which small, nonpolar molecules move directly through the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Front

What types of molecules can pass through the cell membrane without assistance?

Back

Small, nonpolar molecules like oxygen and carbon dioxide can pass through the cell membrane without assistance.