4) Cell Transport Mechanisms Flashcards
What does the size of the organism, specifically the SA:V determine?
The efficiency of transport of substances by diffusion in an organism.
How do SA:V and efficiency correlate?
The higher the SA: V ratio, the more efficient diffusion is.
SA: V in large/small objects
Smaller objects have a larger SA/V
Larger objects have a smaller SA/V
How to calculate surface area? (A cube which has 6 faces and each side is 4cm)
6 x 4 x 4 = 96cm²
How to calculate volume? (A cube which has 6 faces and each side is 4cm)
4 x 4 x 4= 64cm³
Which is more efficient for diffusion, smaller or large objects?
Smaller objects
Give examples of organisms that are efficient for diffusion
Small single celled organisms (bacteria)
Very small multicellular organisms (worms)
What 3 factors determine why small organisms can expel waste and CO2 through diffusion?
The diffusion distance is short
The SA/V ratio is high
Metabolic demands are low
Why is diffusion for large organisms not adequate?
They have a low SA/V ratio
Can not meet demand and removal of waste due to the large distances involved
What 3 factors affect the rate of diffusion?
Area of diffusion
Difference in concentration
Thickness of diffusion surface
What is the optimum features of an organisms for diffusion?
Organisms that surfaces with a large area and are thin. Also, a high difference in concentration.
What is the function of the cell surface membrane?
Contains the cell
Controls movement of substances in and out of the cell
Maintains the osmotic balance of the internal environment
Allows the cell to be recognised e.g. by hormones
What is the chemical structure of the cell membrane?
Lipids (In the form of phospholipids and cholesterol)
Proteins
Carbohydrates (In the form of glycoproteins and glycolipids)
What are the properties of the cell membrane?
Flexible
Fluid
Selectively Permeable
Label fluid mosaic model
Refer to textbook or workbook
What does fluid lipid bilayer consist of?
It has a mosaic of proteins and carbohydrates (glycoproteins and glycolipids) floating in it
Why do phospholipids form bilayers in aqueous environments?
Phospholipids are both hydrophobic and hydrophilic.
What does microscope images of a cell membrane show?
Proteins sticking out of the cell membrane.
What substance passes in and out of the cell membrane sometimes?
Some water-soluble substances pass in and out of cells.