Cell Membrane and Cell Transport

Front

What is a 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 selectively permeable, allowing certain substances to pass while blocking others.

Front

Define passive transport.

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy by the cell. It occurs along the concentration gradient.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration until they are evenly distributed.

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 does isotonic mean in terms of cell solutions?

Back

Isotonic refers to a solution that has the same concentration of solutes as another solution, resulting in no net movement of water across the cell membrane.

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 (lyse) due to the higher concentration of solutes inside the cell.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, leading to water moving out of the cell, causing it to shrink.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

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

Front

What is endocytosis?

Back

Endocytosis is an active transport process where the cell engulfs material from the outside environment, bringing it into the cell.

Front

What role does the cell wall play in plant cells?

Back

The cell wall provides structural support and protection to plant cells, preventing them from bursting when placed in a hypotonic solution.