Honors Bio Bootcamp

passive transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, typically down their concentration gradient.

active transport

The process of moving substances across a cell membrane using energy, typically against their concentration gradient.

selectively permeable

Describes a membrane that allows certain molecules or ions to pass through while restricting others, maintaining homeostasis within the cell.

Cell membrane

A biological barrier that separates the interior of the cell from its external environment, selectively regulating what enters and exits.

Phospholipid

A major component of cell membranes, forming a bilayer that provides structure and barrier functions.

Diffusion

The process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration, eventually reaching equilibrium.

Macromolecules

Large complex molecules essential for life, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrate

A type of macromolecule composed of sugars, providing energy and structural support to cells.

Monomer of a carbohydrate

monosaccharide

lipid

A type of macromolecule that includes fats, oils, and steroids, serving as energy storage and structural components of cell membranes.

monomer of a lipid

fatty acid and glycerol

protein

A macromolecule essential for various biological functions including structure, signaling, and catalysis. Proteins play crucial roles in muscle contraction, enzyme activity, and immune responses.

monomer of protein

amino acid

Nucleic Acid

A macromolecule primarily responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information. Nucleic acids include DNA and RNA.

Monomer of nucleic acid

nucleotide

Hypotonic

having a lower concentration of solutes than another solution, leading to water moving into cells, causing them to swell.

Isotonic

having equal concentrations of solutes in two solutions, resulting in no net movement of water into or out of cells.

Hypertonic

having a higher concentration of solutes than another solution, causing water to move out of cells, leading to their shrinkage.