Biology Concentration Gradient Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a concentration gradient?

The process of particles moving through a solution from an area of higher number of particles to an area of lower number of particles.

What is dynamic equilibrium?

A system in a steady state since forward reaction and backward reaction occur at the same rate.

What is a hypertonic solution?

A solution causing water to move out of the cell because there is a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside.

What is a hypotonic solution?

A solution that causes too much water to enter the cell because there is a lower concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside. Signup and view all the answers

What is an isotonic solution?

A solution where water molecules move in and out of the cell at the same rate, maintaining normal cell shape. Signup and view all the answers

What is the plasma membrane?

The boundary between the cell and its environment that regulates what enters and exits the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of the plasma membrane?

The plasma membrane is composed of two layers of phospholipids back-to-back. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the plasma membrane?

It regulates what enters and leaves the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is osmosis?

The movement of water through a plasma membrane from a region of low solute concentration to a region of high concentration. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes rough ER from smooth ER?

Rough ER has ribosomes attached to its surface. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures help with cell movement? (Select all that apply)

Cilia Signup and view all the answers

Which statements are part of cell theory? (Select all that apply)

Cells are the basic unit of life Signup and view all the answers

What is diffusion?

The net passive movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to regions of lower concentration. Signup and view all the answers

What is passive transport?

Diffusion without the use of energy. Signup and view all the answers

What is active transport?

Transport that requires energy and moves against the concentration gradient. Signup and view all the answers

What is endocytosis?

Particles moving into the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is exocytosis?

Particles moving out of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

Why is cholesterol important in the plasma membrane?

Cholesterol is required to build and maintain cell membranes; it regulates membrane permeability and fluidity over a wide range of temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the hydrophilic portion of the plasma membrane?

The head of the phospholipid. Signup and view all the answers

What is the hydrophobic portion of the plasma membrane?

The two tails of the phospholipid. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Concentration Gradient

Particles move from areas of high particle concentration to areas of low concentration, typically across a membrane.

Dynamic Equilibrium

A steady state in which forward and backward reactions occur at equal rates.

Hypertonic Solution

Causes water to exit the cell due to a higher concentration of solutes outside than inside.

Hypotonic Solution

Leads to excessive water entering the cell, resulting from a lower concentration of solutes outside compared to inside.

Isotonic Solution

Water molecules enter and exit the cell at the same rate, maintaining the cell's normal shape.

Plasma Membrane

Acts as the boundary between the cell and its environment, regulating the movement of substances in and out.

Plasma Membrane Structure

Composed of two back-to-back layers of phospholipids, with phosphate groups attached.

Plasma Membrane Function

Essential for regulating what enters and leaves the cell.

Osmosis

Movement of water through a plasma membrane from low to high solute concentration, classified as passive transport and requires no energy.

Rough vs. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Rough ER has ribosomes on its surface, giving it a "rough" appearance.

Structures Supporting Cell Movement

Microtubules, flagella, and cilia facilitate cell movement and mobility.

Cell Theory

States that all cells arise from pre-existing cells, all living organisms are composed of cells, and cells are the fundamental units of life.

Diffusion

Passive movement of particles from regions of higher concentration to lower concentration.

Passive Transport

The process of diffusion that does not require energy.

Active Transport

Requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.

Endocytosis

The process of particles moving into the cell.

Exocytosis

The process of particles moving out of the cell.

Importance of Cholesterol in Plasma Membrane

Cholesterol is vital for building and maintaining cell membranes, regulating permeability and fluidity at various temperatures.

Hydrophilic Portion of Plasma Membrane

Refers to the head of the phospholipid, which is water-attracting.

Hydrophobic Portion of Plasma Membrane

Consists of the two tails of the phospholipid, which repel water.

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Description

Test your understanding of key concepts related to concentration gradients with these flashcards. Explore definitions such as concentration gradient, dynamic equilibrium, and hypertonic solution. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce their knowledge.