Passive transport Flashcards
(30 cards)
What are the 2 functions of cell membranes
1) control what can pass into and out of a cell
2) communication… one cell releasing a chemical which is transmitted to the target cell
cell communication
1) chemical binds to receptor protein in target cell
2) binding causes protein to change its shape, which can cause either a) channel in the membrane to open or b) channel in the membrane to close
Plasma membrane solubility
substances which are soluble in lipids will pass with ease
larger the molecule, the less membrane permeability they will have… small is good
Permeability and size
the larger the molecule, the less membrane permeability.
Small is good.
Protein channels
Passive transport
A type of cellular transport in which substances move across a cell membrane without the expendeture of energy.
Solute
A substance that can be dissolved in a solvent
Ex: Salt, Sugar
Solvent
A fluid (usually a liquid) capable of dissolving the solute
Ex: Water
Water as a solvent
The Universal solvent - Term coined as water dissolves most solutes.
All of the cell’s chemical processes occur in water.
Diffusion
The movement of a substance down its concentration gradient.
Higher concentration -> Lower concentration.
- Happens until concentration is equal throughout
Diffusion of O2 and CO2
Movement across the cell membranes occurs by diffusion.
- O2 ENTERS cell via diffusion
- CO2 EXITS cell via diffusion
Why is diffusion passive transport
It takes place without any energy expended to make it happen
Limitations of diffusion
Individuals molecules & Ions only travels short distances
Cannot satisfy that major transport demands of large multicellular animals
Blood flow through human cardiovascular system
- Right ventricle
- Pulmonary artery
- capileries of left lung
- pulmonary vein
- left atrium
- left ventricle
- aorta
- capileries of head, chest and arms
- superior vena cava
- right atrium
Why is CV system and lymphatic system necessary
Diffusion cannot satisfy the major transport demands of large multicellular animals
Compartmentalization
Separation of the cell interior in distinct compartments by membranes that allows simultaneous occurence of diverse metabollic reactions and processes.
Affects the balence of different cellular products and creates gradients
Rules of diffusion for a living membrane
1, Rate of diffusion depends on the ability of the molecule to dissolve the lipid layer of the membrane
2. Rate of diffusion across a membrane is DIRECTLY proportional to the surface area of the membrane
3. Rate of diffusion is INVERSELY proportional to thickness of the membrane
Why does O2 move from the lungs into the blood
Oxygen concentration in the Alveoli of the lungs is higher than the O2 concentration (In surrounding blood vessels)
How does highly-polar water cross the cell membrane
Small size allows water to slip between the lipid tails in many membranes.
Small is good
Aquaporins
Special channel proteins that water passes through when crossing the cell membranes.
Selectively conduct water molecules in and out of the cell while preventing the passage of ions and other solutes
Osmosis
The diffusion of water from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration. - Diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
Crucial to:
- Uptake of water by roots of plants
- Absorption of water from intestines
- reabsorption of water into the bloodstreams
Osmoregulation
The control of water balence between cell and surroundings
Crucial to organism survival
Hypotonic solution
Solute concentration is lower outside the cell.
Water molecules move into cell - animal cell will expand and may burst
Hypertonic solution
Solute concentration is higher outside the cell.
Water molecules move out of the cell - Animal cell will shrink.