Cell Transport Basics

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to cell transport mechanisms, including the structure and function of the plasma membrane, types of transport, and the processes involved.

Plasma Membrane

The boundary between the outside and inside of a cell, composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

Fluid Mosaic Model

Describes the structure and function of the plasma membrane as flexible with proteins embedded, resembling a fluid mosaic.

Passive Transport

Movement of molecules across the plasma membrane without the use of energy (ATP), driven by concentration gradients.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrated.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectivity permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration to lower.

Tonicity

Comparison of solute concentration of a solution surrounding a cell to the solute concentration inside the cell.

Isotonic Solution

A solution where the solute concentration is equal inside and outside of the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower solute concentration outside the cell compared to inside, causing the cell to swell as water enters.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher solute concentration outside the cell compared to inside, resulting in water moving out and cell shrinking.

Facilitated Diffusion

The transport of molecules across a membrane via protein carriers, from higher to lower concentration, without using ATP.

Active Transport

Movement of molecules against a concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP) and a membrane protein.

Endocytosis

A process in which the plasma membrane engulfs material to bring it into the cell, forming a vesicle.

Phagocytosis

Type of endocytosis known as 'cell eating', where the cell engulfs large particles or cells.

Pinocytosis

Type of endocytosis known as 'cell drinking', where the cell engulfs fluids and small molecules.

Exocytosis

A process by which substances are expelled from a cell when a vesicle fuses with the plasma membrane.