Chapter 3 Cell Membrane Structure and Function Flashcards
Active Transport
The movement of materials across a membrane through the use of cellualar energy, normally against a conecentration gradient.
Carrier Protein
A membrane protein that facilitates the diffusion of specific substances across the membrane. The molecule to be transported bind to the outer surface of the carrier protein; the protein then changes shape, allowing the molecule the move across the membrane through the protein.
Cell Wall
A layer of material, normally made up of cellulose or cullulose-like material, that is outside the plasma membrane of plants, fungi, bacteria, and some protists.
Channel Protein
A membrane protein that forms a channel or pore completely through the membrane and that is usually permeable to one or to a few water-soluble molecules, especially ions.
Concentration Gradient
The difference in concentration of a substance between two parts of a fluid or across a barrier such as a membrane.
Diffusion
The net movement of particles from a region of high concentration of that type of particle to a region of low concentration, driven by the concentration gradient; may occur entirely within a fluid or across a barrier such as a membrane.
Endocytosis
The process in which the plasma membrane engulfs extracellular material, forming membrane-bound sacs that enter the cytoplasm and the thereby move material into the cell.
Exocytosis
The process in which intracellular material is enclosed within a membrane-bound sac that moes to the plasma membrane and fuses with it, releasing the material outside the cell.
Facilitated Diffusion
The diffusion of molecules across a membrane, assisted by protein pores or carrieres embedded in the membrane.
Fluid Mosaic
A model of membrane structure; according to this model, membranes are composed of a double layuer of phospholipids in which various proteins are embedded. The phospholipid bilayer is a somewhat fluid matrix that allows the movement of proteins within it.
Hydrophilic
Pertaining to a substance that dissolves readily in water or to parts of a large molecule that form hydrogen bonds with water.
Hydrophobic
Pertaining to a substance that dissolves readily in water or to parts of a large molecule that form hydrogen bonds with water.
Osmosis
The diffusion of water across a differentially permeable membrane, normally down a concentration gradient of free water molecules. Water moves into the solution that has na lower conecentration of free water from a solution with the higher concentration of free water.
Passive Transport
The movement of materials across a membrane down a gradient of concentration, pressure, or eletrical charge without using cellular energy.
Phospholipid Bilayer
A double layer of phospholipids that forms the basis of all cellular membranes. The phospholipid heads, which are hydrophilic, face the water of extracellular fluid or the cytoplasm; the tails, which are hydrophobic are buried in the middle of the bilayer.