Cell Transport Mechanisms

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to cell transport mechanisms, including definitions and explanations of processes involved in the movement of substances across cell membranes.

Diffusion

Movement of substances from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration without assistance.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane.

Facilitated Transport

Transport of substances across a membrane with the help of transport proteins, typically for hydrophilic molecules and charged ions.

Active Transport

Movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring ATP.

Passive Transport

Movement of substances across a membrane without the use of ATP; includes diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated transport.

Hypertonic

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to the cell, causing the cell to lose water and shrink.

Hypotonic

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to the cell, causing the cell to gain water and swell.

Isotonic

A solution with equal concentrations of solutes inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Endocytosis

The process by which materials are brought into a cell.

Exocytosis

The process by which materials are expelled from a cell.

PHAGOCYTOSIS

Engulfs food or cell

PINOCYTOSIS

Vesicles form around a liquid

RECEPTOR-MEDIATED

Receptors for substances