Cell Membrane

Front

What is a phospholipid?

Back

A phospholipid is a type of lipid molecule that is a major component of cell membranes, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails'.

Front

What part of a phospholipid is hydrophobic?

Back

The lipid 'tails' are hydrophobic.

Front

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, providing protection and structural support.

Front

What does selectively permeable mean?

Back

Selectively permeable means that the cell membrane allows some substances to pass through while blocking others.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

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

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across the cell membrane against the concentration gradient, requiring energy input.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is the process by which molecules move across the cell membrane through a carrier protein from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

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 happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

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