Cell Physiology Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the function of the cell membrane?
The cell membrane controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis.
What is the fluid mosaic model?
It describes the structure of the cell membrane, where lipids and proteins move fluidly within a phospholipid bilayer.
What is facilitated diffusion?
Facilitated diffusion is the passive transport of molecules across the cell membrane through a protein channel or carrier, without energy.
What is active transport?
Active transport is the movement of molecules across a membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).
What are the two main types of endocytosis?
The two main types are phagocytosis (cell eating) and pinocytosis (cell drinking).
What is osmosis?
Osmosis is the net movement of water through a solution moving from a less negative water potential to a more negative water potential.
What is a hypotonic solution?
A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes than the cell, leading to water entering the cell.
What is a hypertonic solution?
A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes than the cell, leading to water leaving the cell.
What is an isotonic solution?
An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes as the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.
What is the role of mitochondria in the cell?
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, generating ATP through aerobic respiration.
What is the purpose of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?
The RER is involved in protein synthesis and modification, with ribosomes on its surface.
What are transport proteins?
Transport proteins facilitate the movement of molecules across the cell membrane.
What is a prokaryotic cell?
A prokaryotic cell is a type of cell that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, e.g., bacteria.
What is a eukaryotic cell?
A eukaryotic cell has a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, e.g., plant and animal cells.
