| Why do small single celled organisms have a high surface area to volume ratio? | Allows them to rely on oxygen and material diffusing into the cell. The higher the surface area to volume ratio they have, the more effective this process can be. |
| Define the cell membrane structure | Consists of a phospholipid bilayer with their tails pointing inward, which forms a barrier between two aqueous compartments. |
| Define the structure of phospholipid bilayers | Consists of two layers of phospholipids, with a hydrophobic, interior and a hydrophilic exterior. The hydrophilic (polar) head group and hydrophobic tails (fatty acid chains) are depicted in the single phospholipid molecule. |
| Define the structure of cholesterol | Cholesterol is a 27 carbon compound with a hydrocarbon tail, a central sterol nucleus made of four hydrocarbon rings, and a hydroxyl group. |
| Define glycoproteins | Proteins containing glycans attached to amino acid side chains. |
| What is the function of a protein channel? | Acts as a pore in the membrane that lets water molecules or small ions through quickly. |
| Define diffusion | The movement of individual molecules of a substance through a semipermeable barrier from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. |
| Define osmosis | The movement of a solvent (such as water) through a semipermeable membrane into a solution of higher solute concentration. |
| Define active transport | A mode of transportation in plants, which uses stored energy to move the particles against the concentration gradient. |
| Define endocytosis | The process by which cells take in substances from outside of the cell by engulfing them in a vesicle |
| Define phagocytosis | The process by which a cell uses its plasma membrane to engulf a large particle |
| Define hydrophobic | A property of a substance that repels water |
| Define hydrophilic | A molecular entity that is attracted to water |
| Why do small single celled organisms have a high surface area to volume ratio? | Allows them to rely on oxygen and material diffusing into the cell. The higher the surface area to volume ratio they have, the more effective this process can be. |
