Passive transport is a biological process that allows the movement of molecules across cell membranes without the expenditure of cellular energy, relying on the natural kinetic energy of particles. It is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and involves mechanisms like diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion.

Passive Transport

Passive transport

A biological process is a series of events or molecular functions that occur in living organisms to sustain life, such as metabolism, cell division, or photosynthesis. These processes are essential for growth, development, reproduction, and maintaining homeostasis in an organism.

biological process

movement of molecules

Cell membranes are selectively permeable barriers that surround cells, maintaining homeostasis by regulating the movement of substances in and out of the cell. They are composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins that facilitate communication and transport across the membrane.

cell membranes

expenditure of cellular energy

natural kinetic energy of particles

Cellular homeostasis refers to the processes by which cells maintain a stable internal environment, crucial for optimal function and survival. It involves a dynamic balance of inputs and outputs, regulating factors such as pH, ion concentration, and nutrient levels to adapt to changes both inside and outside the cell.

cellular homeostasis

Diffusion is the process by which particles spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration, driven by the kinetic energy of the particles. It is a fundamental mechanism in various natural and artificial processes, influencing everything from cellular respiration to the distribution of pollutants in the environment.

diffusion

Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, aiming to equalize solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane. This process is vital for maintaining cell turgor pressure and homeostasis in biological systems.

osmosis

Facilitated diffusion is a passive transport process where specific molecules move across cell membranes through protein channels or carriers, down their concentration gradient, without the expenditure of cellular energy. It is crucial for the transport of polar and large molecules that cannot directly diffuse through the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane.

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