Cell Transport Lecture

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to passive and active cell transport, osmotic conditions, and plant turgor pressure.

Cell Transport

The movement of substances across the cell membrane to maintain homeostasis.

Passive Transport

Movement of substances down their concentration gradient (high → low) without using ATP.

Active Transport

Movement of substances against their concentration gradient (low → high) requiring ATP energy.

Diffusion

Passive movement of small molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis

Diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane.

Facilitated Diffusion

Passive movement of larger or charged molecules through protein channels in the membrane.

Concentration Gradient

The difference in the concentration of a substance across space; drives diffusion and osmosis.

Protein Pumps

Membrane proteins that actively move ions or molecules against the gradient using ATP.

Endocytosis

Active transport process in which a cell engulfs large materials to bring them inside.

Exocytosis

Active transport process in which a cell releases large materials to the exterior.

Hypotonic Solution

Solution with a lower solute concentration than the cell; water enters, causing the cell to swell.

Hypertonic Solution

Solution with a higher solute concentration than the cell; water exits, causing the cell to shrink.

Isotonic Solution

Solution with equal solute concentration as the cell; water moves in and out equally, cell size stays constant.

Turgor Pressure

The pressure of water pushing against the cell wall in plant cells, produced by osmosis.

High Turgor Pressure

Condition where abundant water in the vacuole keeps a plant firm and upright.

Low Turgor Pressure

Condition where water loss causes vacuole shrinkage, leading to a wilted plant.

Semi-Permeable Membrane

A barrier that allows some substances to pass while restricting others, essential for osmosis and selective transport.