Comprehensive Study Notes on Cellular Transport Mechanisms: Diffusion, Osmosis, and Active Transport (copy)

Random Motion

Movement of individual particles in a fluid that occurs without directed intent, resulting from thermal energy.

Kinetic Energy

The energy possessed by particles due to their motion; drives diffusion passively.

Concentration Gradient

The difference in the concentration of particles across a membrane or space, affecting diffusion rate.

Active Transport

Movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring metabolic energy (ATP).

Osmosis

The net movement of water molecules from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential across a selectively permeable membrane.

Dynamic Equilibrium

A state reached when the net movement of particles is equal in both directions across a membrane, resulting in stable concentrations.

Diffusion Distance

The length over which particles must move in diffusion; shorter distances increase the rate of diffusion.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio (SA:V)

A measurement that describes the amount of surface area relative to the volume of an object, impacting diffusion efficiency.

Turgor Pressure

The pressure exerted by the fluid in the central vacuole against the cell wall of plant cells, providing structural support.

Lysis

The bursting of a cell due to excess internal pressure from water uptake.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to the force of gravity, influencing osmotic movement.

Thermal Equilibrium

The state achieved when two or more objects reach the same temperature, resulting in no net thermal energy transfer.

Facilitated Diffusion

Diffusion of molecules across a membrane through special proteins, occurring without energy expenditure.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, crucial in the process of active transport of ions.

Brownian Motion

The random movement of particles suspended in a fluid resulting from their collision with fast-moving molecules in the fluid.

Intrinsic Carrier Proteins

Proteins embedded in the cell membrane that assist in the transport of substances across the membrane.