6.1.1

Passive Movement Across Membranes

Test yourself on Passive Movement Across Membranes

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Passive Movement

Passive movement is the net movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of lower concentration without the direct input of energy.

Diffusion

Diffusion

Diffusion describes the passive movement of particles in fluids (liquids and gases).
Molecules move randomly but tend to move into any space available until it is evenly distributed.
So, the net movement of particles will be towards the area of lower concentration or down a concentration gradient.
Substances such as CO₂, O₂ and urea can move in and out of cells across cell membranes via diffusion.

E.g. Perfume

E.g. Perfume

When you spray perfume, the smell diffuses across the room from the area of high concentration (where you just sprayed it) to the area of low concentration (the other side of the room).

Filtration

Filtration

A variation of diffusion is the process of filtration.
In filtration, material moves according to its concentration gradient through a membrane. Sometimes the rate of diffusion is enhanced by pressure, causing the substances to filter more rapidly.
- This occurs in the kidney, where blood pressure forces large amounts of water and accompanying dissolved substances, or solutes, out of the blood and into the renal tubules.
The rate of diffusion in this instance is almost totally dependent on pressure.

1

Unity & Diversity - Molecules

1.1

Water

1.1.1Water & Hydrogen Bonding 1.1.2IB Multiple Choice - Water & Hydrogen Bonding 1.1.3Extended Response - Water

1.2

DNA Structure & Replication

1.2.1DNA 1.2.2RNA 1.2.3DNA Replication 1.2.4DNA Replication - Summary 1.2.5IB Multiple Choice - DNA Replication

1.3

Transcription & Gene Expression

1.3.1Introduction to Transcription & Protein Synthesis 1.3.2Types of RNA 1.3.3Transcription 1.3.4RNA Processing in Eukaryotes 1.3.5IB Multiple Choice - Transcription

1.4

Translation

1.4.1Translation 1.4.2Retroviruses 1.4.3Scientific Practices: Coronavirus 1.4.4IB Multiple Choice - Translation

2

Unity & Diversity - Cells

2.1

The Origin of Cells

2.1.1Origins - Endosymbiosis

2.2

Introduction to Cells

2.2.1Introduction to Cells 2.2.2Cell Size & Surface Area 2.2.3Surface Area to Volume Ratio 2.2.4Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic Cells 2.2.5Stem Cells 2.2.6Stem Cells in Disease

2.3

Ultrastructure of Cells

2.3.1Golgi, Lysosomes & Ribosomes 2.3.2Cell Walls & Vacuole 2.3.3Prokaryotes 2.3.4Binary Fission

2.4

Cell Division

2.4.1The Cell Cycle 2.4.2Mitosis 2.4.3Regulation of the Cell Cycle 2.4.4End of Topic Quiz - The Cell Cycle 2.4.5IB Multiple Choice - The Cell Cycle 2.4.6Extended Response - Mitosis

2.5

Structure of DNA & RNA

2.6

DNA Replication, Transcription & Translation

2.6.1Protein Synthesis 2.6.2Transcription & Translation 2.6.3End of Topic Test - DNA, Genes & Protein Synthesis 2.6.4Exam-Style Question - Protein Synthesis 2.6.5End of Topic Test - Coronavirus Translation 2.6.6IB Multiple Choice - Transcription 2.6.7IB Multiple Choice - Translation

2.7

Cell Respiration

2.7.1Overview of Respiration 2.7.2Anaerobic Respiration 2.7.3End of Topic Test - Anaerobic Respiration 2.7.4Respiration Experiments 2.7.5End of Topic Test - Respiration 2.7.6IB Multiple Choice - Respiration

2.8

Photosynthesis

2.8.1Overview of Photosynthesis

2.9

Viruses

3

Unity & Diversity - Organisms

3.1

Diversity of Organisms

3.1.1Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance 3.1.2Chromosomal Basis of Inherited Disorders 3.1.3IB Multiple Choice - Chromosomal Inheritance

3.2

Evidence for Evolution

3.2.1Evidence for Evolution - Fossils & DNA 3.2.2Evidence for Evolution - Anatomy & Geography 3.2.3IB Multiple Choice - Evidence for Evolution 3.2.4Extended Response - DNA & Evolution

3.3

Natural Selection

3.3.1Introduction 3.3.2Evolutionary Fitness 3.3.3Natural Selection & Variation 3.3.4End of Topic Quiz - Natural Selection 3.3.5IB Multiple Choice - Natural Selection 3.3.6Speciation

4

Unity & Diversity - Ecosystems

4.1

Classification

4.1.1Introduction to Biodiversity 4.1.2Keystone Species 4.1.3Courtship & Ancestry 4.1.4Classification

4.2

Cladistics

4.2.1Evolutionary Relationships 4.2.2IB Multiple Choice - Species & Taxonomy

4.3

Evolution & Speciation

4.3.1Evidence for Evolution - Fossils & DNA 4.3.2Evidence for Evolution - Anatomy & Geography 4.3.3IB Multiple Choice - Evidence for Evolution 4.3.4Extended Response - DNA & Evolution 4.3.5Populations 4.3.6Mutations, Genetic Drift, & Gene Flow 4.3.7Speciation 4.3.8Rate of Speciation 4.3.9Allopatric & Sympatric Speciation

4.4

Conservation of Biodiversity

4.4.1Coming Soon!

5

Form & Function - Molecules

5.1

Carbohydrates & Lipids

5.1.1Monosaccharides 5.1.2Disaccharides & Polysaccharides 5.1.3Triglycerides & Phospholipids 5.1.4Cellulose 5.1.5Starch & Glycogen

5.2

Proteins

5.2.1Structure & Functions of Proteins

6

Form & Function - Cells

6.1

Membranes & Membrane Transport

6.1.1Passive Movement Across Membranes 6.1.2Active Movement Across Membranes 6.1.3Endocytosis & Exocystosis 6.1.4Cell Membrane Structure & Permeability

6.2

Organelles & Compartmentalization

6.2.1Eukaryotic Cells & Organelles 6.2.2Subcellular Components & Organelles

6.3

Cell Specialization

6.3.1Cell Specialization

7

Form & Function - Organisms

7.1

Gas Exchange

7.1.1Lung Structure & Alveoli 7.1.2Ventilation 7.1.3Lung Disease 7.1.4Lung Disease Data

7.2

Transport

7.2.1The Circulatory System 7.2.2The Heart 7.2.3Blood Vessels 7.2.4Cardiovascular Disease 7.2.5Xylem Structure 7.2.6Cohesion-Tension Theory 7.2.7Investigating Transpiration Rate 7.2.8Phloem Structure 7.2.9Translocation

7.3

Muscle & Motility

7.3.1Skeletal Muscle 7.3.2Sliding Filament Theory 7.3.3Contraction

8

Form & Function - Ecosystems

8.1

Species, Communities & Ecosytems

8.1.1Population Dynamics 8.1.2Communities & Measuring Diversity 8.1.3Relationships Between Populations 8.1.4Overview of Ecosystems 8.1.5Nutrient Cycles 8.1.6Fertilisers 8.1.7Eutrophication 8.1.8Chi-Squared Test

8.2

Energy Flow

8.2.1Energy 8.2.2Energy Flow 8.2.3Biomass & Food Chains 8.2.4Heterotrophs & Autotrophs

8.3

Carbon Cycle

8.3.1Carbon Cycle

8.4

Climate Change

8.4.1Carbon Dioxide 8.4.2The Greenhouse Effect 8.4.3Global Warming 8.4.4Maintaining Biodiversity

9

Interaction & Interdependence - Molecules

9.1

Enzymes

9.1.1Enzymes 9.1.2Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity 9.1.3Enzyme-Controlled Reactions 9.1.4End of Topic Test - Enzymes

9.2

Metabolism

9.2.1Molecules to Metabolism

9.3

Cell Respiration

9.3.1Glycolysis 9.3.2Aerobic Respiration

9.4

Photosynthesis

9.4.1Light-Dependent Reaction 9.4.2Light-Independent Reaction 9.4.3End of Topic Test - Photosynthesis Reactions 9.4.4Limiting Factors 9.4.5Photosynthesis Experiments 9.4.6End of Topic Test - Photosynthesis 9.4.7End of Topic Test - Photosynthesis

10

Interaction & Interdependence - Cells

10.1

Chemical Signalling

10.1.1Coming Soon!

10.2

Neural Signalling

10.2.1Medical Application 10.2.2Speed of Transmission 10.2.3Synapses 10.2.4End of Topic Test - Nervous Comm&Coord 10.2.5Neuron Structure 10.2.6Types of Synapse 10.2.7End of Topic Test - Neurones & Action Potentials 10.2.8Transmission of an Impulse 10.2.9End of Topic Test - Synapses

10.3

Adaptation to Environment

10.3.1Coming Soon!

10.4

Ecological Niches

10.4.1Coming Soon!

11

Interaction & Interdependence - Organisms

11.1

Integration of Body Systems

11.1.1Plant Tropisms

11.2

Defence Against Disease

11.2.1Immune System 11.2.2The Immune Response 11.2.3Antibodies 11.2.4Primary & Secondary Response 11.2.5Vaccines 11.2.6HIV 11.2.7End of Topic Test - Immune System

12

Interaction & Interdependence - Ecosystems

12.1

Populations & Communities

12.1.1Coming Soon!

12.2

Transfers of Energy & Matter

12.2.1Coming Soon!

13

Continuity & Change - Molecules

13.1

DNA Replication

13.1.1DNA Replication

13.2

Protein Synthesis

13.2.1Protein Synthesis 13.2.2Transcription & Translation 13.2.3End of Topic Test - DNA, Genes & Protein Synthesis

13.3

Mutation & Gene Editing

13.3.1Genes 13.3.2Mutations 13.3.3DNA Technology 13.3.4PCR & Gel Electrophoresis 13.3.5Genetic Modification 13.3.6Cloning

14

Continuity & Change - Cells

14.1

Gene Expression

14.1.1Introduction to Transcription & Protein Synthesis 14.1.2Types of RNA 14.1.3Transcription 14.1.4RNA Processing in Eukaryotes 14.1.5IB Multiple Choice - Transcription

14.2

Water Potential

14.2.1Controlling Blood Water Potential

15

Continuity & Change - Organisms

15.1

Inheritance

15.1.1Non-Nuclear Inheritance 15.1.2Linked Genes 15.1.3IB Multiple Choice - Non-Mendelian Genetics 15.1.4Extended Response - Inheritance 15.1.5Introduction to Non-Mendelian Inheritance 15.1.6Chi-Squared Test 15.1.7End of Topic Quiz - Inheritance 15.1.8Sex-Linked Genes 15.1.9Grade 4-5 (Scientific Practices) - Inheritance

15.2

Homeostasis

15.2.1Overview of Homeostasis 15.2.2Blood Glucose Concentration 15.2.3Controlling Blood Glucose Concentration 15.2.4End of Topic Test - Blood Glucose 15.2.5Type I & Type II Diabetes 15.2.6Human Reproductive Systems 15.2.7Hormonal Control of the Menstrual Cycle 15.2.8Kidneys & Osmoregulation

16

Continuity & Change - Ecosystems

16.1

Natural Selection

16.1.1Natural Selection

16.2

Stability & Change

16.2.1Coming Soon!

16.3

Climate Change

16.3.1Carbon Dioxide 16.3.2The Greenhouse Effect 16.3.3Global Warming 16.3.4Maintaining Biodiversity

Jump to other topics

1

Unity & Diversity - Molecules

1.1

Water

1.1.1Water & Hydrogen Bonding 1.1.2IB Multiple Choice - Water & Hydrogen Bonding 1.1.3Extended Response - Water

1.2

DNA Structure & Replication

1.2.1DNA 1.2.2RNA 1.2.3DNA Replication 1.2.4DNA Replication - Summary 1.2.5IB Multiple Choice - DNA Replication

1.3

Transcription & Gene Expression

1.3.1Introduction to Transcription & Protein Synthesis 1.3.2Types of RNA 1.3.3Transcription 1.3.4RNA Processing in Eukaryotes 1.3.5IB Multiple Choice - Transcription

1.4

Translation

1.4.1Translation 1.4.2Retroviruses 1.4.3Scientific Practices: Coronavirus 1.4.4IB Multiple Choice - Translation

2

Unity & Diversity - Cells

2.1

The Origin of Cells

2.1.1Origins - Endosymbiosis

2.2

Introduction to Cells

2.2.1Introduction to Cells 2.2.2Cell Size & Surface Area 2.2.3Surface Area to Volume Ratio 2.2.4Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic Cells 2.2.5Stem Cells 2.2.6Stem Cells in Disease

2.3

Ultrastructure of Cells

2.3.1Golgi, Lysosomes & Ribosomes 2.3.2Cell Walls & Vacuole 2.3.3Prokaryotes 2.3.4Binary Fission

2.4

Cell Division

2.4.1The Cell Cycle 2.4.2Mitosis 2.4.3Regulation of the Cell Cycle 2.4.4End of Topic Quiz - The Cell Cycle 2.4.5IB Multiple Choice - The Cell Cycle 2.4.6Extended Response - Mitosis

2.5

Structure of DNA & RNA

2.6

DNA Replication, Transcription & Translation

2.6.1Protein Synthesis 2.6.2Transcription & Translation 2.6.3End of Topic Test - DNA, Genes & Protein Synthesis 2.6.4Exam-Style Question - Protein Synthesis 2.6.5End of Topic Test - Coronavirus Translation 2.6.6IB Multiple Choice - Transcription 2.6.7IB Multiple Choice - Translation

2.7

Cell Respiration

2.7.1Overview of Respiration 2.7.2Anaerobic Respiration 2.7.3End of Topic Test - Anaerobic Respiration 2.7.4Respiration Experiments 2.7.5End of Topic Test - Respiration 2.7.6IB Multiple Choice - Respiration

2.8

Photosynthesis

2.8.1Overview of Photosynthesis

2.9

Viruses

3

Unity & Diversity - Organisms

3.1

Diversity of Organisms

3.1.1Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance 3.1.2Chromosomal Basis of Inherited Disorders 3.1.3IB Multiple Choice - Chromosomal Inheritance

3.2

Evidence for Evolution

3.2.1Evidence for Evolution - Fossils & DNA 3.2.2Evidence for Evolution - Anatomy & Geography 3.2.3IB Multiple Choice - Evidence for Evolution 3.2.4Extended Response - DNA & Evolution

3.3

Natural Selection

3.3.1Introduction 3.3.2Evolutionary Fitness 3.3.3Natural Selection & Variation 3.3.4End of Topic Quiz - Natural Selection 3.3.5IB Multiple Choice - Natural Selection 3.3.6Speciation

4

Unity & Diversity - Ecosystems

4.1

Classification

4.1.1Introduction to Biodiversity 4.1.2Keystone Species 4.1.3Courtship & Ancestry 4.1.4Classification

4.2

Cladistics

4.2.1Evolutionary Relationships 4.2.2IB Multiple Choice - Species & Taxonomy

4.3

Evolution & Speciation

4.3.1Evidence for Evolution - Fossils & DNA 4.3.2Evidence for Evolution - Anatomy & Geography 4.3.3IB Multiple Choice - Evidence for Evolution 4.3.4Extended Response - DNA & Evolution 4.3.5Populations 4.3.6Mutations, Genetic Drift, & Gene Flow 4.3.7Speciation 4.3.8Rate of Speciation 4.3.9Allopatric & Sympatric Speciation

4.4

Conservation of Biodiversity

4.4.1Coming Soon!

5

Form & Function - Molecules

5.1

Carbohydrates & Lipids

5.1.1Monosaccharides 5.1.2Disaccharides & Polysaccharides 5.1.3Triglycerides & Phospholipids 5.1.4Cellulose 5.1.5Starch & Glycogen

5.2

Proteins

5.2.1Structure & Functions of Proteins

6

Form & Function - Cells

6.1

Membranes & Membrane Transport

6.1.1Passive Movement Across Membranes 6.1.2Active Movement Across Membranes 6.1.3Endocytosis & Exocystosis 6.1.4Cell Membrane Structure & Permeability

6.2

Organelles & Compartmentalization

6.2.1Eukaryotic Cells & Organelles 6.2.2Subcellular Components & Organelles

6.3

Cell Specialization

6.3.1Cell Specialization

7

Form & Function - Organisms

7.1

Gas Exchange

7.1.1Lung Structure & Alveoli 7.1.2Ventilation 7.1.3Lung Disease 7.1.4Lung Disease Data

7.2

Transport

7.2.1The Circulatory System 7.2.2The Heart 7.2.3Blood Vessels 7.2.4Cardiovascular Disease 7.2.5Xylem Structure 7.2.6Cohesion-Tension Theory 7.2.7Investigating Transpiration Rate 7.2.8Phloem Structure 7.2.9Translocation

7.3

Muscle & Motility

7.3.1Skeletal Muscle 7.3.2Sliding Filament Theory 7.3.3Contraction

8

Form & Function - Ecosystems

8.1

Species, Communities & Ecosytems

8.1.1Population Dynamics 8.1.2Communities & Measuring Diversity 8.1.3Relationships Between Populations 8.1.4Overview of Ecosystems 8.1.5Nutrient Cycles 8.1.6Fertilisers 8.1.7Eutrophication 8.1.8Chi-Squared Test

8.2

Energy Flow

8.2.1Energy 8.2.2Energy Flow 8.2.3Biomass & Food Chains 8.2.4Heterotrophs & Autotrophs

8.3

Carbon Cycle

8.3.1Carbon Cycle

8.4

Climate Change

8.4.1Carbon Dioxide 8.4.2The Greenhouse Effect 8.4.3Global Warming 8.4.4Maintaining Biodiversity

9

Interaction & Interdependence - Molecules

9.1

Enzymes

9.1.1Enzymes 9.1.2Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity 9.1.3Enzyme-Controlled Reactions 9.1.4End of Topic Test - Enzymes

9.2

Metabolism

9.2.1Molecules to Metabolism

9.3

Cell Respiration

9.3.1Glycolysis 9.3.2Aerobic Respiration

9.4

Photosynthesis

9.4.1Light-Dependent Reaction 9.4.2Light-Independent Reaction 9.4.3End of Topic Test - Photosynthesis Reactions 9.4.4Limiting Factors 9.4.5Photosynthesis Experiments 9.4.6End of Topic Test - Photosynthesis 9.4.7End of Topic Test - Photosynthesis

10

Interaction & Interdependence - Cells

10.1

Chemical Signalling

10.1.1Coming Soon!

10.2

Neural Signalling

10.2.1Medical Application 10.2.2Speed of Transmission 10.2.3Synapses 10.2.4End of Topic Test - Nervous Comm&Coord 10.2.5Neuron Structure 10.2.6Types of Synapse 10.2.7End of Topic Test - Neurones & Action Potentials 10.2.8Transmission of an Impulse 10.2.9End of Topic Test - Synapses

10.3

Adaptation to Environment

10.3.1Coming Soon!

10.4

Ecological Niches

10.4.1Coming Soon!

11

Interaction & Interdependence - Organisms

11.1

Integration of Body Systems

11.1.1Plant Tropisms

11.2

Defence Against Disease

11.2.1Immune System 11.2.2The Immune Response 11.2.3Antibodies 11.2.4Primary & Secondary Response 11.2.5Vaccines 11.2.6HIV 11.2.7End of Topic Test - Immune System

12

Interaction & Interdependence - Ecosystems

12.1

Populations & Communities

12.1.1Coming Soon!

12.2

Transfers of Energy & Matter

12.2.1Coming Soon!

13

Continuity & Change - Molecules

13.1

DNA Replication

13.1.1DNA Replication

13.2

Protein Synthesis

13.2.1Protein Synthesis 13.2.2Transcription & Translation 13.2.3End of Topic Test - DNA, Genes & Protein Synthesis

13.3

Mutation & Gene Editing

13.3.1Genes 13.3.2Mutations 13.3.3DNA Technology 13.3.4PCR & Gel Electrophoresis 13.3.5Genetic Modification 13.3.6Cloning

14

Continuity & Change - Cells

14.1

Gene Expression

14.1.1Introduction to Transcription & Protein Synthesis 14.1.2Types of RNA 14.1.3Transcription 14.1.4RNA Processing in Eukaryotes 14.1.5IB Multiple Choice - Transcription

14.2

Water Potential

14.2.1Controlling Blood Water Potential

15

Continuity & Change - Organisms

15.1

Inheritance

15.1.1Non-Nuclear Inheritance 15.1.2Linked Genes 15.1.3IB Multiple Choice - Non-Mendelian Genetics 15.1.4Extended Response - Inheritance 15.1.5Introduction to Non-Mendelian Inheritance 15.1.6Chi-Squared Test 15.1.7End of Topic Quiz - Inheritance 15.1.8Sex-Linked Genes 15.1.9Grade 4-5 (Scientific Practices) - Inheritance

15.2

Homeostasis

15.2.1Overview of Homeostasis 15.2.2Blood Glucose Concentration 15.2.3Controlling Blood Glucose Concentration 15.2.4End of Topic Test - Blood Glucose 15.2.5Type I & Type II Diabetes 15.2.6Human Reproductive Systems 15.2.7Hormonal Control of the Menstrual Cycle 15.2.8Kidneys & Osmoregulation

16

Continuity & Change - Ecosystems

16.1

Natural Selection

16.1.1Natural Selection

16.2

Stability & Change

16.2.1Coming Soon!

16.3

Climate Change

16.3.1Carbon Dioxide 16.3.2The Greenhouse Effect 16.3.3Global Warming 16.3.4Maintaining Biodiversity

Practice questions on Passive Movement Across Membranes

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

1
What do we call the net movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of lower concentration?Multiple choice
2
In which state of substance does diffusion NOT happen?Multiple choice
3
Which of the following substances can diffuse across cell membranes?True / false

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Structure & Functions of Proteins

Active Movement Across Membranes