Diffusion and transport Flashcards
Define Diffusion?
The net movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration
What molecules can use simple diffusion to enter a cell?
- Non-polar
- Small
What prohibits a molecule from entering a cell using simple diffusion?
- Too big
- Polar
What factors affect diffusion?
- Heat
- Size of molecules
- Steepness of concentration gradient
Do the molecules move in a pattern?
Nah they random
When does diffusion stop?
When all molecules are evenly distributed in the solvent
What is facilitated diffusion?
When diffusion is assisted using a carrier protein or molecule imbedded in the membrane
Are protein channels specific?
Yes, they can only move one type of molecule each
Can facilitated diffusion move a molecule against its concentration gradient?
No
Does facilitated diffusion require energy?
No
What determines the direction of diffusion?
The concentration gradient
Define amphiphilic
When molecules have a polar and non-polar end,
- capable of interacting with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic environments
What is passive transport?
A method of transporting a material through a membrane that does not require energy
What is a solute?
A molecule capable of being dissolved in a liquid to form a solution
What is osmosis?
The movement of water molecules through a semi-permiable membrane along its concentration gradient, due to the presence of a solute that cannot pass through the membrane.
What is aquaporin?
The protein channel responsible for the diffusion of water across the plasma membrane at a very high rate
What does hypertonic mean?
- Water leaves the cell
The extracellular solution has a higher osmolarity than the fluid inside the cell
What does hypotonic mean?
- Water enters the cell
The extracellular solution has a lower osmolarity than the fluid inside the cell
What does isotonic mean?
- No net diffusion
The osmolarity inside the cell is equal to the extracellular solution