Mod 3: Cells Flashcards
What is selective permeability in relation to the plasma membrane?
Some substances, such as lipid-soluble molecules, pass through easily, while others do not
What is diffusion?
Involves the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration
(dye tablet in water)
What is osmosis?
Involves the diffusion of water down the concentration gradient through a selectively permeable membrane
A difference in concentration of a substance from one point to another is called
Concentration gradient
A solution with the SAME concentration of solutes as that inside the cell
Isotonic
A solution with a HIGHER concentration of solutes as that inside the cell
Hypertonic
A solution with a LOWER concentration of solutes as that inside the cell
Hypotonic
What would happen to a red blood cell in an isotonic solution?
Cells remain normal in size and water content
Water moves in and out of the cell at an equal rate
What would happen to a red blood cell in a hypertonic solution?
Water will diffuse out of the cell, causing it to shrivel and perhaps die
What would happen to a red blood cell in a hypotonic solution?
Water will move by osmosis into the cell. This influx of water will cause the cell to swell and eventually burst (called lysis)
What is the role of the sodium – potassium pump?
- Regulates the volume of fluid within cells
- provide electrical potential necessary for nervous system activity
- helps in heat protection
What happens in the sodium-potassium pump?
- Three sodium ions inside the cell funnel into receptor sites on a channel protein, fueled by ATP, the channel protein releases them into extracellular fluid.
- meanwhile, two potassium ions from outside the cell enter the same channel, the potassium ions are then release inside the cell.
- this keeps the concentration of potassium higher, and the concentration of sodium lower within the cell
What is another name for white blood cells? And what is their primary role?
Leukocytes - cells of the immune system that protects the body from infections and foreign invaders
What is active transport?
A movement of solutes up the concentration gradient from areas of lesser to greater concentration. (Like swimming upstream, requires energy)
What happens in filtration?
Water and dissolved particles are forced across the membrane from an area of higher to lower hydrostatic pressure