U1T5 - Keywords Flashcards
Diffusion
The net movement of molecules/ions from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration down a concentration gradient until equilibrium is reached. Passive process.
Fick’s Law
Rate of diffusion in a given direction across the exchange surface is directly proportional to the surface area + concentration gradient + inversely proportional to the distance (length of diffusion pathway.)
Binding site
Receptor site which is complementary in shape to molecule being transported.
Channel protein
Protein with central pore.
Active Transport
Transport of ions/molecules across membrane against a concentration gradient using energy in one direction. Involves protein carrier molecules (pumps) which have receptor sites which are complementary to binding molecule. Substance binds to protein which changes shape + releases substance on other side of membrane then reverts to its original shape.
Cytosis
Substances can be transported into or out of cell without having to pass through membrane.
Phagocytosis
Transport of solid material into cell (engulf bacteria)
Pinocytosis
Transport of fluid into cell.
Exocytosis
Movement of substances out of cell. Secretory vesicles move to + fuse with cell surface membrane. Vesicle’s contents released out of cell + gap formed is closed.
Osmosis
Net movement of water molecules from region of high water conc/high water potential to low water conc/low water potential through a selectively permeable membrane.
Hypotonic
Weak solution
Hypertonic
Strong solution
Isotonic
When 2 solutions are of equal conc + no osmosis.
Water potential
A measure of the free kinetic energy of water molecules. Tendency for water molecules to enter/leave solution.
Solute potential
The potential for a solution to take in water. Measure of the reduction in water potential due to presence of solute molecules.