Vocabulary (plasma membrane)

Semipermeability – Only some things can pass through the membrane.

Concentration Gradient – A difference in the amount of something across a space.

Diffusion – Molecules move from high to low concentration.

Facilitated Diffusion – Diffusion with help from a membrane protein.

Active Transport – Movement from low to high concentration using energy (ATP).

Glycocalyx – Sugar coating on the cell that helps with recognition and protection.

Sensitivity – The membrane responds to signals using receptors.

Dynamic Equilibrium – Equal amounts on both sides; molecules still move.

Osmosis – Water moves from low solute to high solute concentration.

Hypertonic – More solute outside; cell shrinks.

Hypotonic – More solute inside; cell swells.

Isotonic – Same solute inside and outside; cell stays the same.