Transport Mechanism

KATELENE NIJOLE T.
PARAY
STEM 11-20A


Cell membranes, regardless of whether they exist in plants, animals,

fungi or bacteria, are all made of the same basic components. These
components are phospholipids, proteins, carbohydrates and
cholesterol or sterols

It forms a physical barrier and as a barrier between the cell and

the external environment as it allows only selected necessary
molecules to pass through it and at the same time prevents entry
of unwanted / unnecessary substances. It also regulates the entry
and exit of molecules into and out of the cell.
 EXPLAIN TRANSPORT MECHANISMS IN CELLS
(DIFFUSION, OSMOSIS, FACILITATED TRANSPORT,
ACTIVE TRANSPORT)

Diffusion
.Diffusion is the movement of molecules or ions from the
region of high concentration to a region of low concentration
(with less molecules); it is movement along concentration
gradient.

Osmosis
Omosis is a special type of diffusion. It is defined as
the movement of water (solvents) molecules from the
area of low concentration (low solute concentration)to
an area of high concentration (high solute concentration)
through a semi-permeable membrane. The membrane is
selectively permeable.
 Facilitated Transport

In transport mechanism carrier protein in a plasma

membrane binds with molecules and help them pass across
the membrane.

Active Transport

is the movement of molecules/ions from one region to

another against the concentration gradient and with
expenditure of energy. From region of low concentration to
a region of high concentration across a living cell
membrane. The energy needed comes from respiration in
mitochondria.
 Endocytosis

is the process of capturing a substance or particle from

outside the cell by engulfing it with the cell membrane.
The membrane folds over the substance and it becomes
completely enclosed by the membrane. At this point a
membrane-bound sac, or vesicle, pinches off and moves
the substance into the cytosol.
 Exocytosis

Describes the process of vesicles fusing with the plasma

membrane and releasing their contents to the outside
of the cell, as shown in Figure below. Exocytosis occurs
when a cell produces substances for export, such as a
protein, or when the cell is getting rid of a waste
product or a toxin. Newly made membrane proteins
and membrane lipids are moved on top the plasma
membrane by exocytosis.