Cell Transport and Osmosis Vocabulary

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering cell transport mechanisms, passive transport types, transport proteins, and osmosis solution environments.

Cell Transport

The process of moving stuff into cells and getting stuff out of cells.

Passive Transport

Cell transport that requires NO energy and moves substances across the cell membrane with the concentration gradient from high to low concentration.

Active Transport

Cell transport that requires energy in the form of ATP.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from high concentrations to low concentrations.

Concentration Gradient

A difference of concentrations between two regions that must exist in order for molecules to flow.

Brownian Movement

The random movement of particles suspended in a gas or a liquid due to being bombarded by fast-moving atoms or molecules.

Equilibrium

The state in which concentrations on both sides of the semipermeable membrane are the same (equal).

Simple Diffusion

Passive transport where nonpolar, uncharged molecules pass through a semipermeable membrane without any aid of transport proteins.

Facilitated Diffusion

Passive transport of polar molecules or ions across a semipermeable membrane that requires the assistance of transport proteins.

Channel Proteins

Simple tunnels in the cell membrane that molecules can use to enter or exit the cell, which can be gated to open and close.

Carrier Proteins

Proteins that change their shape after interacting with a specific molecule in order to let it pass through the cell membrane.

Ion Channels

Specialized channels used in passive transport to allow ions (such as $\text{Na}^+$, $\text{K}^+$, and $\text{Cl}^-$) in and out of the cell with the concentration gradient.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane.

Aquaporin

Channel proteins that assist water movement across the cell membrane, resulting in higher permeability and a higher rate of osmosis.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution in which the concentration of water inside the cell is lower than outside the cell, causing water to diffuse into the cell and potentially causing it to burst.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution in which the concentration of water inside the cell is higher than outside the cell, causing water to diffuse out of the cell and shrink.

Isotonic Solution

An ideal cell environment where concentrations of water are equal inside and outside the cell, so water enters and leaves at equal rates with no net movement.