Cell Membrane and Transport

Front

What is the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane is a biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the outside environment. It is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

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What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the need for energy input. It occurs along the concentration gradient.

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What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

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

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What are phospholipids?

Back

Phospholipids are molecules that make up the cell membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What is the hydrophilic head of a phospholipid?

Back

The hydrophilic head is the part of the phospholipid that is attracted to water, allowing it to interact with the aqueous environment.

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What is the hydrophobic tail of a phospholipid?

Back

The hydrophobic tail is the part of the phospholipid that repels water, helping to form the barrier of the cell membrane.

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What are transport proteins?

Back

Transport proteins are proteins that assist in the movement of ions and molecules across the cell membrane.

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What is active transport?

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Active transport is the movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (usually in the form of ATP).