Transport, Diffusion, and Enzyme Activity

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to transport mechanisms, diffusion, enzyme activity, and cellular processes.

Diffusion

The process by which particles spread out from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

High Concentration

An area where a substance is present in large amounts compared to other areas.

Low Concentration

An area where a substance is present in smaller amounts compared to other areas.

Simple Diffusion

The passive movement of small, nonpolar molecules across a cell membrane without the need for energy.

Facilitated Diffusion

The process of transporting substances across a membrane with the aid of a membrane protein.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Active Transport

The movement of molecules across a membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, requiring energy.

Membrane Potential

An electrical charge difference across a cell's membrane resulting from the uneven distribution of ions.

Exocytosis

The process by which a cell expels materials in bulk by merging vesicles with the cell membrane.

Endocytosis

The process by which a cell takes in materials by engulfing them in a vesicle.

Phagocytosis

A type of endocytosis where cells ingest large particles or organisms.

Anabolic Reactions

Chemical reactions that build complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring an input of energy.

Catabolic Reactions

Reactions that break down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the energy currency of the cell that powers various biological processes.

Substrate Level Phosphorylation

The formation of ATP by transferring a phosphate group from a substrate to ADP during a biochemical reaction.

Protein Phosphorylation

The process of adding a phosphate group to a protein, which often alters the protein's function.

Transport Protein

A membrane protein that helps transport substances across the cell membrane.

Hydrolysis

The chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water, often releasing energy.