Cell Membrane and Transport

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst due to increased internal pressure.

Front

What are vesicles?

Back

Vesicles are small compartments enclosed by a membrane that transport materials within the cell during processes like endocytosis and exocytosis.

Front

What is the hydrophilic portion of the cell membrane?

Back

The hydrophilic portion of the cell membrane refers to the 'water-loving' heads of phospholipids that face outward towards the aqueous environment.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is the process by which molecules pass through the cell membrane via specific transmembrane proteins, without the use of energy.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell, causing water to leave the cell and resulting in cell shrinkage.

Front

What role do phospholipids play in the cell membrane?

Back

Phospholipids form the basic structure of the cell membrane, creating a bilayer that is selectively permeable to substances.

Front

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Back

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

Front

What is 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.