Cell Membranes and Movement of

Substances

Introduction:

Cell membrane is a thin, flexible barrier that surrounds and encloses the cell

It separates the internal environment of the cell from the external environment

The cell membrane is selectively permeable, which means it allows some

substances to pass through while preventing others

Structure of Cell Membrane:

The cell membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded

proteins

Phospholipids have a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail

The hydrophilic head faces outward, while the hydrophobic tail faces inward

Proteins embedded in the membrane have various functions, such as transport,

signaling, and structural support

Types of Transport:

Passive transport: movement of substances across the membrane without the

input of energy

Active transport: movement of substances across the membrane that requires the
input of energy

Passive Transport:

Diffusion: movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area

of low concentration

Osmosis: diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane

Facilitated diffusion: movement of molecules across the membrane with the help
of membrane proteins

Active Transport:

Primary active transport: uses energy from ATP to move substances against their
concentration gradient

Secondary active transport: uses the energy stored in the concentration gradient
of one molecule to move another molecule against its concentration gradient

Endocytosis and Exocytosis:

Endocytosis: process by which cells take in substances by engulfing them in a

vesicle formed from the cell membrane

Exocytosis: process by which cells release substances by fusing a vesicle with the
cell membrane and expelling its contents

Conclusion:

The cell membrane is a vital structure that regulates the movement of substances
into and out of the cell
Different types of transport mechanisms are used to move substances across the
membrane, depending on the nature of the substance and the energy
requirements of the process.