Understanding Key Concepts in Cellular Transport

Biology

8th Grade,
9th Grade,
10th Grade

NGSS

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| Attempts: 11 | Questions: 17 | Updated: Oct 14, 2025

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1. What is passive transport?

Transfer of genetic material between cells.

Active movement of cells within an organism.

Movement of cells against a concentration gradient.

Movement across the cell membrane that does not require energy from the cell

Passive transport refers to the movement of substances across the cell membrane without the need for energy input from the cell itself.

Explanation

Passive transport refers to the movement of substances across the cell membrane without the need for energy input from the cell itself.

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About This Quiz

Enhance your understanding of biology with this focused review on chapter 4 vocabulary. This assessment aids in reinforcing key biological terms and concepts, crucial for students aiming to excel in biological sciences.

2. What first name or nickname would you like us to use?

You may optionally provide this to label your report, leaderboard, or certificate.

2. What is equilibrium?

State of constant movement and change.

State of complete stillness and stagnation.

Condition in which the concentration of a substance is equal throughout a space

Condition where the concentration of a substance decreases rapidly.

Condition where the concentration of a substance increases exponentially.

Equilibrium refers to a state where the concentration of a substance is equal throughout a space, indicating a balance. It is not about constant movement or complete stillness, nor does it involve exponential increases or rapid decreases in concentration.

Explanation

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3. What is diffusion?

The movement of a substance from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration

The movement of a substance through a semi-permeable membrane.

The movement of a substance within the same concentration area.

The movement of a substance from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration.

Diffusion is the process of particles moving from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration due to random thermal motion, leading to equal distribution of particles.

Explanation

Diffusion is the process of particles moving from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration due to random thermal motion, leading to equal distribution of particles.

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4. What is osmosis?

A type of chemical bonding

The absorption of nutrients in plants

The process of cell division

The diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane

Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane. The incorrect answers are not related to the definition of osmosis.

Explanation

Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane. The incorrect answers are not related to the definition of osmosis.

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5. What is a hypertonic solution?

A solution that has no effect on a cell.

A solution that causes a cell to shrink because of osmosis

A solution that makes a cell divide rapidly.

A solution that causes a cell to swell because of osmosis.

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of a cell, leading to water leaving the cell and causing it to shrink.

Explanation

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of a cell, leading to water leaving the cell and causing it to shrink.

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6. What does the term 'isotonic solution' refer to?

A solution that is too concentrated and causes cells to burst

A solution that causes cells to swell due to the movement of water into the cells

A solution that causes cells to shrink due to the movement of water out of the cells

A solution that produces no change in cell volume because of osmosis

An isotonic solution is one in which the concentration of solutes is the same inside the cell as outside, leading to no net movement of water and thus no change in cell volume.

Explanation

An isotonic solution is one in which the concentration of solutes is the same inside the cell as outside, leading to no net movement of water and thus no change in cell volume.

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7. What is an ion channel?

A form of communication among insects.

Transport protein with a polar pore through which ions can press

A musical instrument used in classical music.

A type of building material used in construction.

An ion channel is a specialized protein that forms a pore in a cell membrane through which ions can pass, affecting the cell's electrical properties.

Explanation

An ion channel is a specialized protein that forms a pore in a cell membrane through which ions can pass, affecting the cell's electrical properties.

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8. What are carrier proteins?

A protein that transports substances across a cell membrane

Proteins that help with muscle contraction.

Proteins responsible for digesting food in the stomach.

Proteins involved in storing energy within cells.

Carrier proteins are specifically designed to transport substances across cell membranes, aiding in various cellular functions.

Explanation

Carrier proteins are specifically designed to transport substances across cell membranes, aiding in various cellular functions.

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9. What is facilitated diffusion?

Process by which cells engulf large particles by wrapping around them.

Type of active transport that requires the cell to expend energy.

Type of passive transport that moves substances down their concentratino gradient without using the cell's energy

Movement of substances across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient.

Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport, meaning it does not require the cell to expend energy. It involves the movement of substances with the concentration gradient with the help of transport proteins.

Explanation

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10. What is active transport?

The process of exporting waste products out of the cell.

The transport of a substance across the cell membrane with its concentration gradient.

The movement of a substance across the cell membrane through diffusion.

The transport of a substance across the cell membrane against its concentration gradient

Active transport involves the use of energy to move a substance against its concentration gradient, unlike passive transport which occurs with the concentration gradient. It is crucial for maintaining proper balance and functionality within cells.

Explanation

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11. What is the function of the sodium-potassium pump?

Does not involve the transport of sodium or potassium ions.

Transports four sodium ions (Na+) into a cell and one potassium ion (K+) out of the cell.

Transports three sodium ions (Na+) out of a cell and two potassium ions (K+) into the cell

Transports two sodium ions (Na+) into a cell and three potassium ions (K+) out of the cell.

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12. What is exocytosis?

The fusion of two cells to form a larger cell

The breakdown of substances inside a cell

The movement of a substance by a vesicle to the outside of a cell

The movement of a substance by a vesicle to the inside of a cell

Exocytosis specifically refers to the process where substances are moved outside of a cell through vesicles.

Explanation

Exocytosis specifically refers to the process where substances are moved outside of a cell through vesicles.

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13. What is a receptor protein?

A protein that helps regulate body temperature

A protein involved in muscle development

A protein responsible for energy production in cells

A protein that binds to a specific signal molecule, enabling the cell to respond to the signal molecule

A receptor protein specifically binds to signal molecules to allow cells to respond to those signals, which is essential for communication and coordination within the body.

Explanation

A receptor protein specifically binds to signal molecules to allow cells to respond to those signals, which is essential for communication and coordination within the body.

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14. What is the role of a second messenger?

Regulates gene expression in the nucleus

Transports nutrients across the cell membrane

Acts as a signal molecule in the cytoplasm

Directly binds to receptor proteins on the cell surface

Second messengers are molecules that relay signals received at receptors on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell. They facilitate communication between the cell membrane and cytoplasm, enabling various cellular responses to external stimuli.

Explanation

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15. What is a concentration gradient?

A decrease in the concentration of a substance across a space.

The uniform distribution of a substance across a space.

An increase in the concentration of a substance across a space.

A difference in the concentration of a substance across a space

A concentration gradient refers to the difference in concentration of a substance across a space, not necessarily an increase or decrease in concentration or a uniform distribution.

Explanation

A concentration gradient refers to the difference in concentration of a substance across a space, not necessarily an increase or decrease in concentration or a uniform distribution.

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16. What is a hypotonic solution?

A solution that has no effect on a cell.

A solution that causes a cell to swell because of osmosis

A solution that causes a cell to burst because of osmosis.

A solution that causes a cell to shrink because of osmosis.

A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration compared to the cell, leading to water moving into the cell causing it to swell.

Explanation

A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration compared to the cell, leading to water moving into the cell causing it to swell.

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17. What is endocytosis?

The breakdown of substances within a cell