Cell Transport Mechanisms Quiz

The thin, flexible barrier surrounding a cell, separating its internal contents from the external environment.

Lipid molecules with a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail, forming the basis of the cell membrane.

The arrangement of phospholipids in the plasma membrane, with hydrophobic tails pointing inward and hydrophilic heads facing outward, creating a water-resistant barrier.

A steroid molecule embedded in the plasma membrane, helping to maintain its fluidity and stability.

Lipids with attached carbohydrate chains found on the outer surface of the plasma membrane, important for cell recognition and communication.

The model describing the plasma membrane as a fluid structure where proteins move freely within the phospholipid bilayer.

Proteins embedded within or attached to the surface of the plasma membrane, responsible for various cellular functions.

Proteins loosely attached to the surface of the plasma membrane, often involved in signaling pathways.

Proteins that fully or partially embed within the cell membrane, playing a role in transport, communication, and enzymatic activity.

Integral proteins that form channels through which specific ions or molecules can pass.

Integral proteins that bind to specific molecules on one side of the membrane and change shape to transport them to the other.

Proteins that bind to signaling molecules (hormones or neurotransmitters) and trigger a cellular response.

Membrane proteins that catalyze chemical reactions, either on the surface or within the membrane.

Proteins that allow cells to adhere to each other and to the extracellular matrix, crucial for tissue formation.

Proteins often acting as 'name tags' on cell surfaces, identifying the cell's type and tissue origin.

The property of a membrane allowing some substances to pass through while blocking others.

Movement of molecules from a high concentration area to a low concentration area. Does not require energy.

A type of diffusion where water moves across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Passive movement of molecules across a membrane with the help of carrier proteins or channel proteins.

A type of facilitated diffusion where carrier proteins bind to the molecule being transported, change shape, and release the molecule on the other side of the membrane.

Specialized channel proteins that allow specific ions (like Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl⁻) to pass through the membrane. These channels can be gated, opening or closing in response to signals.

An active transport mechanism that pumps sodium (Na⁺) out of the cell and potassium (K⁺) into the cell against their concentration gradients, using energy from ATP.

Transportation that requires cellular energy to move molecules across a membrane, often against their concentration gradient.

A type of active transport mechanism, like a pump, that moves molecules across a membrane against their concentration gradient.

A type of active transport that relies on the electrochemical gradient established by primary active transport, without directly using ATP.

Two molecules move in the same direction across the membrane, using the energy of the electrochemical gradient established by primary active transport.

Two molecules move in opposite directions across the membrane, using the energy of the electrochemical gradient established by primary active transport.

Transport of a single type of molecule or ion across the membrane, powered by the electrochemical gradient established by primary active transport.

The process by which cells engulf large particles, fluids, or other cells by enclosing them in a vesicle formed from the plasma membrane.

The process by which cells expel materials from inside the cell to the extracellular space by fusing a vesicle with the plasma membrane.

A combination of endocytosis and exocytosis where materials are transported across the interior of a cell.

A type of transport involving the movement of substances across the membrane enclosed within vesicles, which are small, membrane-bound sacs.

High blood glucose levels can cause proteins, including membrane proteins, to become glycated, potentially changing their function.

The process where water moves out of cells due to high blood glucose levels, further impacting cell function.

Reduced activity of the sodium-potassium pump can lead to difficulties maintaining the resting membrane potential, crucial for muscle contractions and nerve signal transmission.

The ability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively helps prevent further damage to membrane proteins.

Providing fluids to rehydrate a patient and restore proper cellular function.

Closely monitoring and managing potassium levels to prevent complications like irregular heartbeat.

Dietary changes, including sufficient sodium and potassium intake, can support the function of membrane transporters.