Learning Objectives

1. Explain the fundamentals of atomic structures and define a bond.
A chemical bond is a lasting attraction between atoms or ions. A chemical bond enables the formation of molecules.

2. Explain the main function of a cell’s plasma membrane.
Dividing the inside of a cell from its environment. Only certain molecules can pass straight through it.

3. Describe the functions of phospholipids & transport proteins in the plasma membrane.

4. Identify the hydrophobic & hydrophilic regions of the phospholipid bilayer.

5. List the kinds of molecules that can & cannot diffuse across the membrane.

6. Use the chemical properties of a molecule (hydrophobic, hydrophilic, polar, nonpolar, charged) to determine whether or not it could diffuse across the membrane.

7. Explain what a concentration gradient is.

8. Use the direction of a concentration gradient to determine which way a molecule would move (into or out of a cell).

9. Explain how passive transport is different from active transport.

10.Explain why active transport is important to a cell.

11.Identify similarities & differences between these transport processes: diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis, primary active transport, secondary active transport.