Movement of Substances Across The Plasma Membrane

The plasma membrane acts as a partially permeable membrane and selectively controls
the movement of substances in and out of a cell.

Factors that determine whether a molecule can pass through the plasma membrane are the
size and polarity of the molecule.

Passive Transport
1. Simple diffusion
2. Facilitated diffusion
3. Osmosis

Simple diffusion

simple diffusion is the random movement of particles (molecules) from a

region of high concentration to a region of low concentration.

this process will continue until a dynamic equilibrium reached.

example - diffusion of oxygen from the alveoli into the adjacent blood
capillaries.

Facilitated diffusion

facilitated diffusion is the passive movement of molecules or ions down a

concentration gradient.

the process involves special pore proteins (channel proteins) or specific

carrier proteins in the plasma membrane.

the particular molecules combine with the specific active site of the carrier
protein. The carrier protein changes its shape to allow the molecules to pass
through to the other side of the plasma membrane. After assisting the
movement of molecules to the other side of the plasma membrane, it is free
to bind with other molecules.

Example: the reabsorption of glucose and amino acid from the villi into the
blood capillaries.

Facilitated diffusion through a pore

protein in the plasma membrane

Facilitated diffusion through a carrier

protein in the plasma membrane

nephrons into the blood

capillaries.

Osmosis

is the random movement of

water molecules from a region
of high concentration of
water molecules to a region
of low concentration of
water molecules through a
partially
permeable
membrane.

Example - the reabsorption of

water molecules from the
Q - What is the difference between simple diffusion & facilitated diffusion?
A - Both describes the tendency of molecules to spread out randomly from
the site of high concentration to low concentration (with concentration
gradient) except facilitated diffusion requires the help of carrier protein to
facilitate the movement of the larger molecules.
Q - What are the similarities between simple diffusion & facilitated diffusion?
A : both are following the concentration gradient and they do not require
energy to achieve movement of substances

Movement of Substances Across The Plasma Membrane

(Enter) The Cells :

provide
nutrients
metabolism and growth

for

supply oxygen for respiration

regulate solute concentration

and suitable pH for maintaining
a stable internal environment
for optimal enzymatic activities

maintain an ion concentration

gradient required for nerve and
muscle cell activities

secrete useful substances, for

example, digestive enzymes
and hormones

eliminate toxic waste products

such as urea and carbon dioxide

1. Oxygen
2. Digested food substances :

Glucose

Amino acid

Glycerol

Fatty acid

Substances Eliminated From

(Leave) the Cells :
Waste products from metabolic
processes :

Carbon dioxide

Urea

Lactic acid

Excess water

Necessity for Movement of

Substances Across The Plasma
Membrane
1. A cell is surrounded by a plasma
membrane that separates it
from the outer environment.
2. For cellular activities to be
carried out, the cell has to move
substances into and out of the
cell.
3. Movement of substances into or
out of a cell is important to :

Structures of the human heart :

The heart consists of 4 Chambers
which makes up 2 pumps :

2 atrium chambers (relatively

thin walls / lower pressure)

2 ventricle chambers
(relatively thick walls / higher
pressure)

Blood Pressure in Humans

Systole vs. Diastole phases

Systolic vs. Diastolic Pressure

Healthy Blood Pressure (120/80)

Hypertension - Consistent High

Blood Pressure (140/90 or
above)

Blood pressure is measured

using a device called a

sphygmomanometer