MEMBRANE TRANSPORT Meaning and
Definition
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Membrane transport refers to the movement of molecules, ions, or other substances across a biological membrane, which is a selectively permeable barrier that separates the interior of a cell or organelle from the external environment. It is an essential process for maintaining the homeostasis and functionality of cells.
There are two main categories of membrane transport: passive transport and active transport. Passive transport occurs spontaneously and does not require the cell to expend energy. It can be further subdivided into two types: diffusion and facilitated diffusion. Diffusion involves the movement of substances down their concentration gradient, from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Facilitated diffusion, on the other hand, occurs through specialized membrane proteins called transporters or channels that facilitate the movement of specific molecules or ions across the membrane.
Active transport, in contrast, requires the cell to expend energy in the form of ATP. This process allows substances to move against their concentration gradients, from areas of lower concentration to areas of higher concentration. Active transport is crucial for the uptake of essential nutrients and ions by cells, as well as the removal of waste products or toxic substances.
Overall, membrane transport plays a fundamental role in various physiological processes, such as nutrient uptake, waste elimination, cell signaling, and maintenance of electrochemical gradients essential for cellular functions.
Common Misspellings for MEMBRANE TRANSPORT
- nembrane transport
- kembrane transport
- jembrane transport
- mwmbrane transport
- msmbrane transport
- mdmbrane transport
- mrmbrane transport
- m4mbrane transport
- m3mbrane transport
- menbrane transport
- mekbrane transport
- mejbrane transport
- memvrane transport
- memnrane transport
- memhrane transport
- memgrane transport
- membeane transport
- membdane transport
- membfane transport
- membtane transport
Etymology of MEMBRANE TRANSPORT
The word "membrane" is derived from the Latin word "membrana", which means "skin" or "thin layer". Meanwhile, the word "transport" originates from the Latin word "transportare", which means "to carry across". When combined, "membrane transport" refers to the process of carrying molecules or substances across a membrane.
