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Practice - Membrane Transport 1 definitions

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  • NaK ATPase
    Membrane protein that moves sodium out and potassium in, using ATP, establishing charge and ion gradients vital for cell function.
  • Electrochemical Gradient
    Difference in ion concentration and charge across a membrane, driving transport and maintaining cellular homeostasis.
  • Aquaporin
    Selective membrane channel enabling rapid water movement, essential for sustaining life beyond simple diffusion rates.
  • Facilitated Diffusion
    Transport mechanism where molecules move down their concentration gradient via specific membrane proteins, without energy input.
  • Symport
    Transport system moving two substances simultaneously in the same direction across a membrane, often using ion gradients.
  • Glucose Transporter
    Membrane protein enabling glucose movement, either coupled with sodium or via diffusion, crucial for nutrient absorption.
  • Membrane Fusion
    Process where two membranes merge, allowing exchange of contents, seen in endocytosis, exocytosis, and viral entry.
  • Endocytosis
    Cellular process where the membrane pinches inward, forming vesicles to internalize substances from the environment.
  • Exocytosis
    Cellular process where vesicles fuse with the membrane, releasing their contents outside the cell.
  • Concentration Gradient
    Variation in substance concentration across a membrane, driving passive and active transport mechanisms.
  • ATP Hydrolysis
    Chemical reaction breaking ATP into ADP and phosphate, providing energy for active transport processes.
  • Lumen
    Internal space of a tubular structure, such as the intestine, where nutrient absorption occurs.
  • Vesicle
    Membrane-bound compartment used for transport and storage of substances within cells, involved in fusion events.
  • Passive Transport
    Movement of substances across membranes without energy input, driven by concentration gradients.
  • Homeostasis
    State of internal balance maintained by cells through regulated transport and membrane dynamics.