U2C2 Cell Transport Vocab

Homeostasis

Process by which organisms maintain a relatively stable internal environment

Diffusion

Movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Also known as passive transport as it uses no energy to occur

Simple Diffusion

Diffusion that doesn’t involve a direct input of energy or assistance by carrier proteins to move molecules across the cell membrane

Facilitated Diffusion

Diffusion that doesn’t involve a direct input of energy but utilizes proteins to move specific molecules across cell membranes

Concentration

A measurement of how much solute exists within a certain volume of solvent

Concentration Gradient

A difference in the concentration of a substance across a distance

Equilibrium

A condition in which molecules are spread evenly

Dynamic Equilibrium

A condition in which there is continuous movement across a semi-permeable membrane but there is no overall change in conditions. Molecules are moving in AND out at the same rate

Surface Area

The measurement of the outer surface of an object

Aquaporin

A membrane protein, specifically a transport protein, that facilitates the passage of large amounts of water through channel proteins

Osmosis

Diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane

Hypotonic

Having a lower concentration of solute than another solution

Hypertonic

Having a higher concentration of solute than another solution

Isotonic

Having the same solute concentration as another solution

Lysis

The disintegration of a cell by rupture of the cell wall or membrane

Plasmolysis

A cell shrinks inside its cell wall while it stays intact

Active Transport

Energy-requiring process that moved material across a cell membrane against a concentration difference

Exocytosis

A cell released large amounts of material

Endocytosis

A cell takes material into the cell by infolding (engulfing) of the cell membrane