Tutorial Sheet 2: Transport Across the Plasma Membrane
Explain why substances need to be transported across a plasma membrane.
Substances need to be transported across the plasma membrane to maintain homeostasis,
supply nutrients, remove waste, and facilitate communication between cells. Since the
membrane is selectively permeable, transport mechanisms ensure that essential molecules
like oxygen, glucose, and ions enter the cell while waste products exit.
(a) Define the word diffusion.
Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules or ions from a region of higher
concentration to a region of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.
(b) Give examples of diffusion in living organisms.
Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.
Movement of glucose into cells when blood sugar levels are high.
Absorption of nutrients in the intestines.
(c) State and explain various factors which affect the rate of diffusion.
Concentration Gradient: The greater the difference in concentration, the faster the
diffusion.
Temperature: Higher temperatures increase kinetic energy, speeding up diffusion.
Molecular Size: Smaller molecules diffuse faster than larger molecules.
Membrane Permeability: If the membrane is more permeable to a substance, diffusion
occurs more rapidly.
Surface Area: A larger surface area allows more molecules to diffuse at the same time.
Distance: The shorter the distance, the faster the diffusion.
Using examples, explain facilitated diffusion.
Facilitated diffusion is the passive movement of molecules across a membrane through
specific transport proteins without requiring energy. For example:
Glucose enters cells through GLUT transporters.
Ions like sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) move through channel proteins.
(a) Explain similarities between diffusion and facilitated diffusion.
Both do not require cellular energy (ATP).
Both help maintain cellular homeostasis.
(b) How does diffusion differ from facilitated diffusion?
Diffusion occurs directly through the membrane, while facilitated diffusion requires the
transport of proteins.
Facilitated diffusion is specific to certain molecules, whereas diffusion is not.
(c) How do channel proteins differ from carrier proteins?
Channel Proteins: Form pores that allow specific molecules or ions to pass through.
Carrier Proteins: Bind to a substance and change shape to transport it across the
membrane.
(a) What is osmosis?
Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of higher water potential (lower
solute concentration) to an area of lower water potential (higher solute concentration)
across a selectively permeable membrane.
(b) Explain the effects of osmosis in:
(i) Plant cells:
In a hypotonic solution (more water outside), water enters the cell, making it turgid.
In a hypertonic solution (less water outside), water leaves the cell, causing plasmolysis
(shrinkage of the cytoplasm).
In an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water, and the cell remains normal.
(ii) Animal cells:
In a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst (lysis).
In a hypertonic solution, water leaves the cell, causing it to shrink (crenation).
In an isotonic solution, there is no net water movement, and the cell remains stable.
(c) Describe the similarities and differences which exist between diffusion and osmosis.
Similarities: Both are passive transport processes that move substances from high to low
concentration.
does not.
(a) Define the word active transport.
Active transport is the movement of molecules across a membrane against their
concentration gradient (from low to high concentration) using ATP energy and transport
proteins.
(b) Why is active transport important to living organisms?
It allows cells to absorb essential nutrients even when they are in low concentrations.
It helps maintain ion balances necessary for nerve impulses and muscle contractions.
It removes waste products from the cell.
(c) Explain the words: Uniporter, Symporter, and Antiporter.
Uniporter: A transport protein that moves a single type of molecule in one direction.
Symporter: A transport protein that moves two different molecules in the same direction
simultaneously.
Antiporter: A transport protein that moves two different molecules in opposite directions.
Describe bulk transport while highlighting the substances that are transported by bulk
transport.
Bulk transport is the movement of large molecules or particles across the plasma
membrane using vesicles. It requires energy (ATP) and occurs via:
Endocytosis: The process of taking in substances.
Exocytosis: The process of expelling substances.
Substances transported include proteins, large macromolecules, and cellular debris.
Explain the words:
Endocytosis: The process by which the cell engulfs external substances into vesicles.
Exocytosis: The process by which cells expel substances using vesicles.
Phagocytosis: A type of endocytosis where the cell engulfs large particles like bacteria.
Pinocytosis: A type of endocytosis where the cell takes in liquid and small dissolved
substances.
Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis: A selective form of endocytosis where receptors on the
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