The Cell Membrane: Structure and Function
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Questions and Answers

Which type of molecules can easily cross the cell membrane?

  • Small and polar lipid-soluble molecules
  • Large and non-polar lipid-soluble molecules
  • Large and polar lipid-soluble molecules
  • Small and non-polar lipid-soluble molecules (correct)
  • What is the difference between passive and active transport?

  • Passive transport moves molecules from low to high concentration, while active transport moves molecules from high to low concentration
  • Passive transport moves molecules along the concentration gradient, while active transport moves molecules against the concentration gradient (correct)
  • Passive transport uses energy, while active transport does not use energy
  • Passive transport requires specific carrier proteins, while active transport does not require carrier proteins
  • What is the characteristic of bulk transport?

  • It only occurs under specific temperature conditions
  • It moves small and non-polar molecules into or out of the cell
  • It requires energy to move molecules across the cell membrane
  • It involves the movement of large macromolecules such as proteins or polysaccharides (correct)
  • What is the role of the concentration gradient in determining the movement of molecules across the cell membrane?

    <p>It determines whether molecules can cross the cell membrane by passive transport</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the transport proteins in the cell membrane?

    <p>Creating tunnels for selective substance transport</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the structure of the cell membrane described?

    <p>A sandwich of phospholipids with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the cell membrane considered semipermeable?

    <p>It allows essential molecules to enter and waste products to exit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of cholesterol molecules in the cell membrane?

    <p>Contributing to the fluidity of the cell membrane</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the movement of water that is a specific type of diffusion?

    <p>Osmosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which type of solution does a water solution with less solute (more diluted solution) have higher water potential?

    <p>Hypotonic solution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term refers to the strength of a solution in relation to osmosis, and is used when comparing two different solutions?

    <p>Tonicity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the prefix -iso mean in relation to tonicity?

    <p>The same concentration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Molecules and Cell Membrane Transport

    • Small, nonpolar molecules (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide) can easily cross the cell membrane.
    • Water can also cross due to its small size, even though it is polar, through specialized channels.

    Passive vs. Active Transport

    • Passive transport occurs without energy input, allowing substances to move down their concentration gradient.
    • Active transport requires energy (ATP) to move substances against their concentration gradient.

    Bulk Transport Characteristics

    • Bulk transport involves the movement of large particles or volumes across the membrane via vesicles.
    • It includes processes like endocytosis (import) and exocytosis (export).

    Concentration Gradient Role

    • The concentration gradient influences molecular movement; molecules move from high to low concentration areas in passive transport, driving equilibrium.

    Transport Proteins Function

    • Transport proteins facilitate the movement of specific substances across the cell membrane.
    • They can be channels or carriers, providing pathways for polar or charged molecules.

    Cell Membrane Structure Description

    • The cell membrane is described by the fluid mosaic model, depicting a dynamic arrangement of phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates.

    Semipermeable Nature of Cell Membrane

    • The cell membrane is considered semipermeable because it selectively allows certain substances to pass while blocking others based on size, polarity, and charge.

    Cholesterol in Cell Membrane

    • Cholesterol molecules maintain membrane fluidity, stability, and integrity, especially at varying temperatures.
    • They help prevent the membrane from becoming too rigid or too permeable.

    Water Movement and Diffusion

    • Osmosis refers to the specific movement of water across a semipermeable membrane, driven by concentration differences.

    Water Potential in Solutions

    • A water solution with less solute (more diluted solution) has higher water potential compared to a more concentrated solution.

    Osmosis Strength and Comparison

    • Tonicity describes the strength of a solution in relation to osmosis, comparing solute concentrations between two solutions.

    Iso in Tonicity Context

    • The prefix "iso" means "equal," indicating isotonic solutions have equal solute concentrations, resulting in no net movement of water across the semipermeable membrane.

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    Quiz Team

    Description

    This quiz covers the structure and function of the cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane. It discusses its role as a semipermeable membrane in regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell, and the composition of the phospholipid bilayer.

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