Cell Transport and Membrane Structure

These flashcards cover important vocabulary and concepts related to cell transport and membrane structure.

Cell Membrane

A selectively permeable structure that regulates what enters and leaves the cell.

Selective Permeability

The ability of the cell membrane to allow certain substances to pass while blocking others.

Passive Transport

Movement of molecules from high to low concentration without the use of energy (ATP).

Diffusion

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

Facilitated Diffusion

Movement of molecules from high to low concentration through a protein channel.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher solute concentration outside the cell, causing the cell to shrink.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower solute concentration outside the cell, causing the cell to swell.

Isotonic Solution

A solution with equal solute concentration on both sides, keeping the cell's size normal.

Active Transport

Movement of molecules from low to high concentration against the gradient, requiring energy (ATP).

Protein Pumps

Membrane proteins that use ATP to move molecules against their concentration gradient.

Endocytosis

The process by which a cell takes in large materials by folding its membrane inward.

Phagocytosis

A type of endocytosis where the cell 'eats' solid particles.

Pinocytosis

A type of endocytosis where the cell 'drinks' liquids.

Exocytosis

The process of releasing materials out of the cell using vesicles.

Gradient

The difference in concentration of a substance across a space.

Homeostasis

The process by which a cell or organism maintains a stable internal environment.

Vesicle

A membrane-bound bubble used for transport within cells.

Phospholipid Bilayer

A double layer of phospholipids that makes up the cell membrane.

Hydrophilic

Substances that are water-loving and can interact with water.

Hydrophobic

Substances that repel water and do not easily mix with it.

Ribosome

The site of protein synthesis in the cell.

Nucleus

The cell organelle that houses the cell's DNA.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

An organelle that processes and transports proteins and lipids.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that packages and sends proteins and other materials to their destinations.

Mitochondria

Organelles that convert chemical energy from food into usable cell energy.

Chloroplast

Organelles in plant cells that convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

Vacuole

A storage compartment in the cell for various substances.