Membrane Dynamics and Diffusion

Flashcards covering membrane structure, diffusion principles, equilibrium, and factors affecting the rate of diffusion from the lecture notes.

Membrane Dynamics Overview

The structural setup of a cell membrane consisting of hydrophilic polar heads, hydrophobic nonpolar tails, water-based fluid, and protein transporters.

Diffusion

The movement of particles to spread out from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Equilibrium

The state achieved when particles become evenly spread throughout a space.

Proportional Symbol ($\propto$)

A mathematical symbol representing a proportional relationship between variables.

Rate of Diffusion Relationship

The proportional relationship expressed as \text{Rate of diffusion} \times \text{Membrane thickness} \text{ is governed by } \text{Rate of diffusion} \reflectbox{\rightarrow} \frac{\text{Concentration gradient} \times \text{Surface area} \times \text{Membrane permeability}}{\text{Membrane thickness}}.

Factors Directly Proportional to Diffusion Rate

Concentration gradient, surface area, and membrane permeability, which all increase the rate of diffusion as they increase.

Inversely Proportional Factor of Diffusion

Membrane thickness, which decreases the rate of diffusion as it increases (\text{Inversely Proportional} \reflectbox{\rightarrow} \frac{1}{\text{Membrane thickness}}).

Hydrophilic

Water-attracting property associated with the polar heads of the membrane structure.

Hydrophobic

Water-repelling property associated with the nonpolar region of the membrane structure.

Protein Transporters

Structures embedded in the cell membrane that facilitate transport across the lipid bilayer.