Cell Transport and Concentration Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to cell reactants, concentration, solution components, and diffusion mechanisms.

Concentration

The measure of the number of particles of the solute (dissolved substance) in a solvent (what it is dissolved in).

Solute

A dissolved substance (such as a solid) present in a solvent.

Solvent

The liquid or substance in which a solute is dissolved.

Dilute

Describing a solution that has fewer particles of the solute in the solvent, making it less concentrated.

Surface area to volume ratio

The amount of surface area per unit volume of an object or collection of objects, measured in $\text{cm}^2$ to $\text{cm}^3$.

Diffusion

The net (overall) movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration down a concentration gradient.

Concentration gradient

The difference in concentration between two areas.

Cell Reactants

Substances required for chemical reactions inside the cell, such as oxygen and glucose, which cells need to obtain.

Cell Waste Products

Substances produced by chemical reactions in the cell, such as carbon dioxide, which must be removed to avoid building up in cells.