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9700 · 4.2

Movement into and out of cells

Ever wondered how a single cell, the fundamental unit of life, manages to acquire nutrients, excrete waste, and maintain its internal balance? It all comes down to **movement into and out of cells**. This crucial topic in Cambridge International Biology 9700 explores the diverse mechanisms by which substances navigate the **partially permeable cell membrane**, ranging from passive processes like **diffusion** and **osmosis** to energy-intensive methods such as **active transport** and **bulk transport**. Understanding these processes is not just theoretical; it's fundamental to comprehending how organisms function at every level.

Need to know

What you need to know

  • Distinguish between different modes of transport across cell membranes, including passive and active processes.
  • Explain the concept of water potential and its role in osmosis across partially permeable membranes.
  • Describe the mechanisms of bulk transport (endocytosis and exocytosis) and their cellular significance.

Explanation

Movement into and out of cells

  1. Distinguish between different modes of transport across cell membranes, including passive and active processes.
  2. Explain the concept of water potential and its role in osmosis across partially permeable membranes.
  3. Describe the mechanisms of bulk transport (endocytosis and exocytosis) and their cellular significance.