Passive and Active Transport in Cell Biology: Key Concepts and Processes

What is passive transport?

The movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the use of cellular energy, maintaining homeostasis through diffusion, osmosis, and filtration.

What processes are involved in passive transport?

Diffusion, osmosis, and filtration.

How does diffusion function in cells?

Diffusion moves molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration without using energy.

What is osmosis?

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

What is active transport?

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

What types of molecules are commonly transported via active transport?

Ions, glucose, and amino acids.

What is the role of ATP in active transport?

ATP provides the energy needed for the transport of molecules against their concentration gradient.

What is secondary active transport?

A form of active transport that uses an electrochemical gradient to move molecules.

What happens in an isotonic solution?

The solution around the cell has equal solutes and water, resulting in no net movement of water.

What occurs in a hypotonic solution?

The solution around the cell has fewer solutes and more water, causing water to move into the cell and the cell to swell.

What occurs in a hypertonic solution?

The solution around the cell has more solutes and less water, causing water to move out of the cell and the cell to shrivel.

What is ATP and its function?

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the molecule used by cells for energy.

How is ATP produced in cells?

ATP is produced from glucose in the mitochondria through cellular respiration.

What is aerobic respiration?

The process of producing energy (ATP) from glucose and oxygen in the mitochondria.

What is the chemical equation for aerobic respiration?

C6H12O6 + O2 → CO2 + H2O + 40 ATP.

What is anaerobic respiration?

The process of producing energy without oxygen, occurring in the cytoplasm and yielding less energy (2 ATP).

What are the two types of anaerobic respiration?

Lactic acid fermentation and alcoholic fermentation.

What is produced during lactic acid fermentation?

Lactic acid and 2 ATP.

What is produced during alcoholic fermentation?

Alcohol, carbon dioxide, and 2 ATP.

What is the significance of lactic acid in muscles?

Lactic acid is blamed for muscle soreness during strenuous exercise.

How does alcoholic fermentation contribute to baking?

The carbon dioxide produced makes bread rise.