Gas Exchange, Cell Membranes & Transport

A set of 50 vocabulary flashcards based on the topics of gas exchange, cell membranes, and transport mechanisms in biology.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs that increase surface area for gas exchange and facilitate oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusion.

Trachea

The tube that conducts air to the lungs, supported by cartilage rings to prevent collapse.

Bronchi

Branches of the trachea leading into the lungs, with a structure similar to the trachea but with thinner walls.

Bronchioles

Small air passages that lead from bronchi to alveoli, surrounded by elastic fibers and smooth muscle.

Phospholipid bilayer

A double layer of phospholipids that forms the structure of cell membranes, allowing selective permeability.

Glycolipids

Lipids with carbohydrate attached, found on the cell surface, aiding in cell recognition.

Glycoproteins

Proteins that have carbohydrate groups attached, playing a role in cell communication and recognition.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A model describing the structure of cell membranes as a mosaic of various proteins floating in or on the fluid phospholipid bilayer.

Active transport

The movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).

Endocytosis

Active process where a cell engulfs a substance, forming a vacuole.

Exocytosis

Active process where vesicles fuse with the cell membrane to release substances outside the cell.

Osmosis

The net movement of water molecules from high to low water potential across a partially permeable membrane.

Diffusion

The net movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Simple diffusion

Diffusion of small, non-polar molecules directly through the lipid bilayer.

Facilitated diffusion

The process by which large or polar molecules cross membranes with the help of transport proteins.

Phagocytosis

A type of endocytosis in which a cell engulfs solid particles.

Vacuole

A membrane-bound sac within the cell used for storage and transport.

Plasmolysis

The shrinking of a plant cell due to loss of water when placed in a hypertonic solution.

Turgor pressure

The pressure exerted by the fluid inside the central vacuole against the cell wall.

Colorimeter

An instrument used to measure the absorbance or transmission of light through a liquid sample.

Species variation

Differences among individuals of the same species, which can affect experimental results.

Biological significance

Importance of a biological process in maintaining life or ecological balance.

Mitochondria

Cell organelles responsible for producing ATP through respiration.

Endoplasmic reticulum

An organelle involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Epithelial cells

Cells that line various surfaces and cavities of the body, including exchange surfaces for gas exchange.