Organization of Human Body and Cell Membrane Functions

Flashcards covering vocabulary and key concepts about the organization of the human body, cell membranes, and transport mechanisms.

Organism

A living individual composed of systems and organs that work together.

Organelle

A specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific function.

Cell Membrane

A semi-permeable membrane that surrounds the cell, providing structure and regulating transport.

Mitochondrion

An organelle where respiration occurs and energy is produced.

Phospholipid

A molecule consisting of a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails, forming the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane.

Fluid Mosaic Model

Describes the structural framework of the cell membrane, where lipids and proteins move freely.

Integral Proteins

Proteins embedded in the lipid bilayer that play roles in transport and communication.

Peripheral Proteins

Proteins associated with the membrane surface contributing to signaling and structural support.

Glycocalyx

A carbohydrate-rich coating on the cell membrane aiding in cell protection and recognition.

Passive Transport

The movement of substances across a membrane without the use of energy, such as diffusion.

Active Transport

The movement of substances across a membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Vesicular Transport

Transport method for large molecules involving vesicles, including endocytosis and exocytosis.

Facilitated Diffusion

The passive movement of molecules across the membrane via special transport proteins.