Unit 2A Human Form & Function

Cells, metabolism & regulation

Transport

Further information
Further information about this topic can be found in Our Human Species (3rd edtn) Chapter 3, section 5

The cell membrane

Copyright - National Institute of Standards and Technology

Drawing by Dana Burns

The cell membrane

The cell membrane (or plasma membrane) is the outer boundary of a cell. The membrane is a phospholipid bi-layer. Proteins and other molecules are embedded in the membrane. The cell membrane is selectively permeable i.e. it allows some substances to cross more easily than others.

The bi-layer
Membrane protein

TISSUE FLUID

Hydrophilic phosphate Hydrophobic lipid tail

PHOSPHOLIPID
BI-LAYER

CYTOPLASM

Diffusion through the membrane

Because the cell membrane is fatty, most water soluble substances cannot diffuse through it. Exceptions include oxygen & carbon dioxide.

Membrane proteins
A variety of proteins are embedded in the bi-layer. These serve various functions including the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Membrane transport proteins

Membrane proteins that aid the movement of substances in and out of the cell include:
Channel proteins (ion channels) open channels that allow simple diffusion. Carrier proteins that allow facilitated diffusion (e.g. glucose) and active transport (specific membrane pumps).

Membrane transport
Transport processes are either passive or active. Passive processes require no cellular energy and include diffusion, osmosis & facilitated diffusion. Active processes require ATP and include specific membrane pumps and phagocytosis/pinocytosis.

Passive processes
Require no cellular energy (ATP). Substances move from high concentration to low concentration.

E.g. diffusion, facilitated diffusion & osmosis.

Diffusion
Diffusion is the tendency for particles to move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Diffusion results from the random motion of atoms and molecules due to their kinetic energy.
Diffusion involves the movement of atoms & molecules in gases and liquids (specifically, solutes).

Diffusion
Simple diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area where their concentration is lower.

Diagram created by LadyofHats

Concentration gradient
When the concentration of a substance is different at two places, the substance will diffuse along the concentration gradient until the concentration of the two areas becomes equal.
High concentration

Diffusion gradient

Low concentration

Concentration at A 1
High concentration

Concentration at B Diffusion gradient

Low concentration

Equilibrium

Uniform concentration

Osmosis
This is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane. Water molecules move from high concentration to low concentration. This is a passive process (does not need ATP).

Osmosis
Low water concentration (concentrated soln.)

Net water movement from high conc. To low conc.

High water concentration (dilute soln.)

Semipermeable membrane

Facilitated diffusion
Facilitated diffusion is a process of diffusion where molecules diffuse across cell membranes with the assistance of transport proteins. Diffusion takes place from high concentration to low concentration and does not require ATP. Examples: glucose & amino acids.

Simple diffusion (left) & facilitated diffusion

Diagram created by LadyofHats

Active transport
Require energy (ATP).

Substances move from low concentration to high concentration (i.e. against the concentration gradient). Example: membrane pumps.

Active transport (sodium pump)

Diagram created by LadyofHats

Endocytosis
Pinocytosis & phagocytosis are specific types of endocytosis. Both processes involve cells absorbing large particles such as proteins (or even whole organisms, such as bacteria & viruses) from the outside by engulfing them with their cell membrane to form a vesicle (like a bubble) within the cytosol.

Endocytosis & exocytosis

Endocytosis = things entering the cell Phagocytosis = cell eating Pinocytosis = cell drinking Exocytosis = things leaving the cell

Endocytosis

Diagram created by LadyofHats

Exocytosis

Diagram created by LadyofHats

Study Guide
Read: Our Human Species
Chapter 3, section 5

Complete: Workbook Topic 4 - Transport