Biological Membrane Functions

This flashcard set covers key concepts related to hydrophilic substances and various functions of biological membranes, including transport mechanisms and cell communication.

What does hydrophilic mean in the context of biology?

Hydrophilic refers to substances that are attracted to water and can interact with water molecules.

What is the function of integral proteins in a membrane?

Integral proteins facilitate transport, enzymatic activity, signal transduction, and cell-cell recognition.

What type of transport moves molecules from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration?

Diffusion is the process that moves molecules along the concentration gradient without using energy.

What does the term 'passive transport' refer to?

Passive transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the need for energy.

What is a concentration gradient?

A concentration gradient is the difference in concentration of a substance across a space, influencing the movement of molecules.

What is the role of cell-cell recognition in biological membranes?

Cell-cell recognition allows cells to identify and interact with each other, playing critical roles in tissue formation and immune response.