Cell - The Fundamental Unit of Life

These flashcards cover the foundational concepts of cell structure, including the plasma membrane, transport mechanisms like diffusion and osmosis, and the effects of different tonicity solutions on cells.

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of life.

Plasma Membrane

The thin, living outermost covering of the cell made of lipids and proteins.

Selectively Permeable Membrane

A membrane that allows some substances to enter and leave the cell, but does not allow all substances to pass through it.

Diffusion

The movement of particles of a substance from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration without requiring external energy.

Osmosis

The movement of $H_2O$ molecules from a region of higher water concentration (dilute solution) to a region of lower water concentration (concentrated solution) through a selectively permeable membrane.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution which has more $H_2O$ (less solute) as compared to the cell sap, causing the cell to swell.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution which has less $H_2O$ (more solute) as compared to the cell sap, causing the cell to shrink.

Isotonic Solution

A solution which has equal water concentration as that of the cell sap, where the cell remains normal.

Endosmosis

The movement of $H_2O$ molecules into the cell through a selectively permeable membrane.

Exosmosis

The movement of $H_2O$ molecules out of the cell through a selectively permeable membrane.