Cellular Transport

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to cellular transport and the function of the cell membrane.

Cell Membrane

The barrier that separates the interior of a cell from its external environment.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment within a cell.

Selective Permeability

The property of a cell membrane that allows certain molecules to pass while blocking others.

pH Scale

A scale used to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 to 14.

Acidic Solution

A solution with a pH ranging from 0 to 6.

Basic Solution

A solution with a pH ranging from 8 to 14.

Neutral Solution

A solution with a pH of 7.

Buffer

A solution that resists changes in pH when small amounts of an acid or base are added.

Phospholipid Bilayer

A double layer of phospholipids that makes up the cell membrane, consisting of hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Passive Transport

The movement of molecules across the cell membrane without the use of energy, moving from high to low concentration.

Diffusion

The process by which small particles move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration across a membrane.

Facilitated Diffusion

A type of passive transport that uses proteins to help move particles across the cell membrane.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher concentration of solute compared to another solution, causing cell shrinkage.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower concentration of solute compared to another solution, causing cell swelling.

Isotonic Solution

A solution with the same concentration of solute as another solution, resulting in no change in cell size.

Active Transport

The movement of molecules from low to high concentration that requires energy.

Endocytosis

The process by which materials enter the cell through engulfing.

Exocytosis

The process by which materials exit the cell.

Pinocytosis

A type of endocytosis for small particles.

Phagocytosis

A type of endocytosis for larger particles.

What is a cell?

The basic unit of life that performs all functions needed to survive and maintains homeostasis (stable internal balance).

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that have no nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. They are smaller and simpler, with bacteria as an example.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce energy (ATP), often referred to as the "powerhouse" of the cell.

Ribosome

An organelle that makes proteins, found in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

Cell Membrane

The membrane that surrounds the cell, controls what enters and leaves, and maintains homeostasis.

Phospholipid Bilayer

A double layer of lipids that makes up the cell membrane, consisting of hydrophilic heads (water-loving) and hydrophobic tails (water-hating). It is selectively permeable, allowing only certain substances to pass.

Phases of the Cell Cycle

Includes Interphase (cell grows, DNA replicates, prepares for division), Mitosis (cell divides nucleus creating identical copies), and Cytokinesis (cytoplasm divides to form two new cells).

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell division where cells ignore normal cell cycle controls, leading to tumor formation and possible spreading (metastasis).

Why transport matters

Cellular transport maintains homeostasis by moving nutrients, waste, and water.

Passive Transport

Movement of molecules without energy, going from high to low concentration. Includes diffusion and osmosis.

Diffusion

Movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until balanced.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a membrane from high to low concentration.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with more solute outside the cell, causing water to leave and the cell to shrink.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with less solute outside the cell, causing water to enter and the cell to swell or burst.

Isotonic Solution

A solution with equal concentration of solute, resulting in no change in cell size.

Active Transport

Movement of molecules from low to high concentration that requires energy (ATP) and goes against the gradient.

Types of Active Transport

Includes Endocytosis (bringing materials into the cell), Exocytosis (pushing materials out of the cell), and Protein Pumps.

Quick Memory Tips

Key comparisons: Diffusion = spread out, Osmosis = water movement, Hypertonic = shrivel, Hypotonic = swell, Isotonic = same, Active transport = uphill (needs energy), Passive transport = downhill (no energy).