AP Biology Cell Membrane and Cell Transport

Front

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, providing protection and support while maintaining homeostasis.

Front

Define active transport.

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, requiring energy (ATP).

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

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

Front

Explain facilitated diffusion.

Back

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

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

Define hypertonic solution.

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing cells to lose water and shrink.

Front

Define hypotonic solution.

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing cells to gain water and swell.

Front

What is isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has an equal concentration of solutes compared to another solution, resulting in no net movement of water into or out of the cell.

Front

What role do aquaporins play in cell membranes?

Back

Aquaporins are specialized proteins that facilitate the rapid transport of water across cell membranes.

Front

Explain the significance of sodium-potassium pumps.

Back

Sodium-potassium pumps are active transport mechanisms that move sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, crucial for maintaining cellular function and volume.