Transport Across Membranes

Question 1

ATP-driven pump

Answer 1

• a molecular machine that uses energy from ATP to push molecules or ions against their natural flow, helping the cell maintain the right balance of substances inside and outside the cell
• is like a slide where you use your energy to push something (like ions) against their natural flow

Question 2

channel

Answer 2

• a protein structure embedded within the cell membrane that forms a passageway or pore allowing specific ions or molecules to move across the membrane
• they only allow certain types of ions or molecules to pass through based on their size, charge, or other properties

Question 3

facilitated transport

Answer 3

• when molecules need to cross the cell membrane but can’t do it on their own, they hitch a ride with transport proteins

Question 4

passive transport

Answer 4

• when molecules want to move across a cell membrane and they can do it all by themselves without needing any extra energy

Question 5

transporter

Answer 5

• allow cells to selectively take up nutrients, expel waste products, and maintain proper internal conditions for optimal function

Question 6

active transport

Answer 6

• an energy-requiring process that allows cells to move molecules or ions against their concentration gradient, ensuring that the cell maintains the right balance of substances for optimal function

Question 7

concentration gradient

Answer 7

• like a slope or incline along which molecules or ions naturally move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration

Question 8

membrane potential

Answer 8

• the electrical charge difference across a cell membrane, essential for the proper functioning of cells and the transmission of signals within the body

Question 9

simple diffusion

Answer 9

• the spontaneous movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, driven by their own random motion

Question 10

uniport

Answer 10

• specialized transport proteins in the cell membrane that move a single type of molecule across the membrane in one direction, helping to regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell

Question 11

antiport

Answer 11

• like molecular switches that shuttle two different types of molecules across the cell membrane in opposite directions, helping cells maintain the right balance of substances inside and outside the cell

Question 12

coupled pump

Answer 12

• transport proteins in the cell membrane that use the energy released by the movement of one molecule to transport another molecule against its concentration gradient, allowing cells to efficiently move substances across the membrane

Question 13

osmolarity

Answer 13

• a measure of the concentration of particles in a solution, influencing the movement of water and playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of fluids inside and outside cells

Question 14

solute

Answer 14

• the substance that gets dissolved in a solvent to form a solution

Question 15

aquaporin

Answer 15

• specialized proteins in the cell membrane that act like water channels, allowing water molecules to move in and out of cells rapidly and selectively

Question 16

electrochemical gradient

Answer 16

• the combined force of an electrical gradient and a concentration gradient that drives ions across cell membranes, playing a vital role in many cellular processes

Question 17

osmosis

Answer 17

• the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration, helping cells maintain the right balance of fluids and solutes for optimal function

Question 18

symport

Answer 18

• transport proteins in the cell membrane that move two different types of molecules across the membrane in the same direction, working together to help cells regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell