Membrane Transport

These flashcards cover terms and definitions related to membrane transport processes as discussed in the lecture.

Simple diffusion

The process by which nonpolar compounds move down their concentration gradient without the need for a transporter.

Facilitated diffusion

Transport of molecules across a membrane via a protein channel, moving down an electrochemical gradient.

Primary active transport

Transport of ions against their electrochemical gradient powered by ATP.

Ionophore-mediated transport

Transport of ions down their electrochemical gradient, facilitated by ionophores.

Secondary active transport

Transport of solutes against their electrochemical gradient, driven by the movement of another ion down its gradient.

Na+K+ ATPase

An active transport enzyme that pumps 3 sodium ions out of and 2 potassium ions into the cell, consuming ATP.

Membrane potential

The difference in electrical charge inside and outside the cell, crucial for driving ion transport.

Symport

A transport mechanism where two different molecules are transported in the same direction across a membrane.

Selectivity filter

A narrow region of an ion channel that allows specific ions to pass while excluding others, crucial for ion selectivity.

Patch clamping

A technique used to study ion channels by measuring the flow of ions through a small patch of membrane.