Unit 6: Cell Transport

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to cell transport, focusing on the structure and function of the cell membrane, transport processes, and their importance in maintaining homeostasis.

Cell Membrane

Protective outer layer of a cell; controls what enters/leaves.

Homeostasis

State of internal balance.

Fluid Mosaic Model

Membrane structure: moving parts like a mosaic.

Semi-permeable

Allows only specific things to pass.

Active Transport

Movement crossing the membrane using energy (ATP).

Passive Transport

Movement crossing the membrane without using energy.

Diffusion

Movement from high to low concentration.

Osmosis

Diffusion of water.

Hypotonic

Lower solute outside; water enters and cell swells.

Hypertonic

Higher solute outside; water leaves and cell shrinks.

Isotonic

Equal solute concentration; cell stays the same.

Exocytosis

Cell expelling materials via vesicles.

Endocytosis

Cell taking in materials via vesicles.

Phagocytosis

Cell "eating" (solids).

Pinocytosis

Cell "drinking" (liquids).

Concentration Gradient

A difference in concentration across space.

Simple Diffusion

Moving through the membrane bilayer without help.

Facilitated Diffusion

Moving through the membrane using protein helpers.

Protein Pump

Protein using energy (ATP) to push molecules against the gradient.

Hydrophilic

"Water-loving" (the polar phosphate heads).

Hydrophobic

"Water-fearing" (the non-polar lipid tails).

ATP

Adenosine Triphosphate; the cell's energy currency.

Solute

Substance being dissolved (like salt or sugar).

Solvent

Substance doing the dissolving (usually water).