Membrane transport
Membrane Transport
Membrane transport (pronunciation: /ˈmɛmbreɪn ˈtrænspɔːrt/) refers to the collection of mechanisms that regulate the passage of solutes such as ions and small molecules through biological membranes, which are lipid bilayers that contain proteins embedded in them.
Etymology
The term "membrane transport" is derived from the Latin words 'membrana' meaning 'skin, membrane' and 'transportare' meaning 'to carry over'.
Types of Membrane Transport
There are several different types of membrane transport, depending on the characteristics of the molecule being transported and the direction of transport.
- Passive Transport: This is a type of membrane transport that does not require energy. It involves the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
- Active Transport: This is a type of membrane transport that requires energy. It involves the movement of molecules from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration.
- Facilitated Diffusion: This is a type of passive transport that uses transport proteins to move other ions and small molecules across the plasma membrane.
Related Terms
- Diffusion: The process by which molecules intermingle as a result of their kinetic energy of random motion.
- Osmosis: The spontaneous net movement of solvent molecules through a semi-permeable membrane into a region of higher solute concentration.
- Endocytosis: The process by which cells absorb molecules by engulfing them.
- Exocytosis: The process by which cells export products for use in other locations.
- Ion Channel: A pore-forming protein that helps establish and control the small voltage gradient across the plasma membrane of cells by allowing the flow of ions down their electrochemical gradient.
- Transport Protein: A protein that serves the function of moving other materials within an organism.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Membrane transport
- Wikipedia's article - Membrane transport
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