Cell Membrane and Transport

Front

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

Back

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

Front

Define osmosis.

Back

Osmosis is the movement 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 diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is the process of transporting molecules across a cell membrane via protein channels, from an area of high concentration to low concentration, without the use of energy.

Front

What happens to red blood cells in a hypertonic solution?

Back

Red blood cells shrink in a hypertonic solution due to the loss of water.

Front

What is endocytosis?

Back

Endocytosis is the process by which cells engulf substances from their external environment, requiring energy.

Front

What is exocytosis?

Back

Exocytosis is the process by which cells expel materials in vesicles, requiring energy.

Front

What is the hydrophilic portion of the cell membrane?

Back

The hydrophilic portion of the cell membrane refers to the phosphate heads of phospholipids that are attracted to water.

Front

What is a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others.

Front

Explain the difference between active 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.