Prokaryotic Cell Structure

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to prokaryotic cell structure and transport mechanisms.

Membrane Transport

Processes that enable substances to cross the cell membrane, involving different mechanisms such as diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and active transport.

Facilitated Diffusion

Transport of molecules across a membrane through protein carrier molecules without the need for energy, utilizing the concentration gradient.

Proton Motive Force (PMF)

The energy difference in H+ concentration across a membrane, used to drive transport mechanisms in cells.

Simple Transport (ST)

Energy-requiring transport mechanism that moves substances against their concentration gradient without modifying them.

Group Translocation

Active transport mechanism unique to prokaryotes where the transported substance is chemically altered during passage, typically by phosphorylation.

ABC Transporters

A transport system that uses ATP to transport various substances, significant for transporting sugars and amino acids in bacteria.

Turgor Pressure

Pressure generated within the cell due to water entering by osmosis, crucial for maintaining cell structure and preventing osmotic lysis.

Diffusion

Movement of molecules from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration due to the concentration gradient.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Plasmolysis

The process in which cells lose water in a hypertonic solution, leading to cell shrinkage and dehydration.

Ionophores

Compounds that disrupt the selective permeability of membranes, allowing passive diffusion of ions and affecting concentration gradients.

Hydrophobic Molecules

Substances that repel water and can pass through biological membranes by simple diffusion.

Carrier Proteins

Proteins that assist in the transport of substances across a cell membrane by binding to the molecule and facilitating its movement.

Osmotic Lysis

The bursting of a cell due to excessive intake of water when placed in a hypotonic solution.