Here are some guiding questions to answer as you move through this section

1. Describe the fluid mosaic structure of cell membranes.

2. Describe the diverse functions of membrane proteins.

3. Relate the structure of phospholipid molecules to the structure and properties of cell membranes.

4. Explain how the properties of phospholipids spontaneously form membranes.

5. Define diffusion and describe the process of passive transport.

6. Explain how osmosis can be defined as the diffusion of water across a membrane.

7. Distinguish between hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions.

8. Explain how animal and plants cells change when placed into hypertonic or hypotonic solutions.

9. Explain how transport proteins facilitate diffusion.

10. Compare the processes of facilitated diffusion and active transport.