Structure
What is the main component of the cell membrane?
Phospholipid bilayer
What does the cell membrane do?
Controls what enters and leaves the cell
How does osmosis work?
Water moves from high to low concentration
True or False: The cell membrane is only found in animal cells
False, all cells have one!
Why do plants wilt when they don’t get enough water?
Because the cells in the plant aren't getting enough water so they are drying up and dying
What is the function of protein channels in the membrane?
Help large molecules pass through
What does selectively permeable mean?
Only certain molecules can pass through
What is diffusion? (Hint: What does it allow?)
When important substances move in and out of the cell membrane without using energy, goes straight through the membrane
How do small, non-polar molecules like oxygen move through the membrane
Simple diffusion
How does your small intestine absorb nutrients
Diffusion and Active Transport
What does hydrophobic mean?
Waterproof, fear water, water resistant
Why is the cell membrane important for homeostasis?
Regulates internal conditions
What type of transport moves molecules from high to low concentration?
Diffusion
What happens to a gummy bear if you leave it in water over a long period of time
It will expand and grow in size because of osmosis
Why do your fingers wrinkle in water?
Water moves into skin cells by osmosis, causing them to swell and wrinkle.
What type of molecules pass easily through the membrane?
Oxygen, carbon dioxide, water
What would happen if a cell membrane stopped working?
The cell could lose control over substances, leading to damage or death
What happens when a red blood cell is placed in pure water?
It swells and bursts due to osmosis
What happens to saltwater fish if placed in freshwater
They absorb too much water and their cells swell
Why do athletes drink sports drinks instead of pure water?
To balance electrolytes and prevent cell swelling/shrinking
What is another name for the cell membrane?
(Plasma membrane)
How does the cell membrane help in communication
Receptor proteins detect signals and send messages.
What is the difference between facilitated diffusion and simple diffusion?
Facilitated diffusion uses proteins; simple diffusion does not
What happens if a person drinks too much water too quickly?
Cells can swell, causing water intoxication
How do medicines enter cells?
Some diffuse, while others use transport proteins or endocytosis