Cell Transport

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to cell transport and membrane structure as presented in the lecture.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A model describing the cell membrane's structure, where various proteins float in or on the fluid lipid bilayer.

Phospholipid Bilayer

A double layer of phospholipids that makes up the cell membrane, with hydrophobic tails facing inward and hydrophilic heads facing outward.

Hydrophilic

Substances that are attracted to water; generally polar molecules.

Hydrophobic

Substances that repel water; generally nonpolar molecules.

Diffusion

Movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration without the use of energy.

Active Transport

Movement of molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring cellular energy.

Facilitated Diffusion

Passive transport of large molecules across a membrane through a protein channel.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Isotonic Solution

A solution with equal solute concentration to that of the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower solute concentration than that of the cell, causing the cell to swell as water enters.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher solute concentration than that of the cell, causing the cell to shrink as water exits.

Channel Protein

A protein that allows the transport of specific substances across a cell membrane.

Integral Protein

Proteins that are embedded in the membrane and involved in cell transport.

Peripheral Protein

Proteins that are not embedded but are loosely attached to the surface of the membrane.

Cholesterol

A lipid that helps maintain membrane fluidity and stability across various temperatures.

Concentration Gradient

The difference in concentration of a substance across a space, driving diffusion.

Cell Membrane

A biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of a cell from the external environment.

Glycoprotein

A protein that has carbohydrate chains attached, often involved in cell recognition.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like fluid inside the cell membrane where organelles are suspended.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

An organelle involved in protein and lipid synthesis, consisting of rough (with ribosomes) and smooth (without ribosomes) types.

Vesicle

A small membrane-bound sac that transports substances within a cell or to the exterior.