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Principles of Transmembrane Transport definitions

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  • Semipermeability

    Property allowing selective passage of certain molecules while restricting others, enabling regulation of cellular exchange with the environment.
  • Concentration Gradient

    Difference in molecule concentration across a membrane, creating a driving force for movement from high to low concentration.
  • Electrical Potential

    Charge difference across a membrane, resulting from unequal distribution of ions on either side.
  • Electrochemical Potential

    Combined effect of concentration gradient and electrical potential, determining the overall driving force for ion movement.
  • Membrane Potential

    Net difference between concentration gradient and electrical potential, reflecting the overall charge difference across the membrane.
  • Passive Transport

    Movement of molecules down a gradient without energy input, occurring via simple or facilitated diffusion.
  • Simple Diffusion

    Unassisted movement of molecules directly through the membrane, requiring no proteins or energy.
  • Facilitated Diffusion

    Transport of molecules across the membrane with the help of proteins, but without energy expenditure.
  • Active Transport

    Energy-dependent movement of molecules against their gradient, typically powered by ATP.
  • Channel Protein

    Membrane protein forming a selective portal, allowing passage based on size or charge.
  • Transporter

    Highly selective membrane protein permitting only specific molecules to bind and cross.
  • ATP-Powered Pump

    Membrane protein using ATP energy to move substances across the membrane against their gradient.
  • Extracellular Environment

    Area outside the cell, differing in composition from the cell's interior and influencing transport processes.
  • Intracellular Environment

    Internal cellular space with distinct concentrations and charges compared to the outside, crucial for maintaining gradients.