Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

6. The Membrane

Introduction to Membrane Transport

General Biology

6. The Membrane

Introduction to Membrane Transport

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0:31 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

Fill in the following concept map to review the processes by which molecules move across membranes.
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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by identifying the two main mechanisms by which molecules cross cell membranes: passive transport and active transport. Passive transport does not require energy, while active transport requires ATP.

Step 2: For passive transport, determine the two subcategories: diffusion and facilitated diffusion. Diffusion involves the movement of molecules down their concentration gradient without the help of proteins, while facilitated diffusion involves the use of transport proteins.

Step 3: Fill in the concept map for diffusion by noting that it involves the movement of small, nonpolar molecules such as oxygen and carbon dioxide (labeled as (c) in the map).

Step 4: For facilitated diffusion, recognize that it involves the movement of polar molecules and ions (labeled as (d) in the map) through specific transport proteins embedded in the membrane.

Step 5: For active transport, identify that it involves the movement of molecules against their concentration gradient (labeled as (b) in the map) and requires ATP. Active transport uses specific transport proteins (labeled as (e) in the map) to move molecules across the membrane.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Diffusion

Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. This process occurs until equilibrium is reached and does not require energy. It is a fundamental mechanism for the transport of small, nonpolar molecules, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, across cell membranes.

Osmosis

Osmosis is a specific type of diffusion that refers to the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane. Water moves from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, aiming to balance solute levels on both sides of the membrane. This process is crucial for maintaining cell turgor and overall homeostasis.

Active Transport

Active transport is the process by which molecules move across a membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy, usually in the form of ATP. This mechanism is essential for transporting ions and larger molecules that cannot passively diffuse through the membrane, such as glucose and sodium ions, thereby maintaining cellular functions and homeostasis.