Final answer:
The cell membrane is a selectively permeable phospholipid bilayer containing embedded proteins and carbohydrates that regulate substance movement and cell communication. Passive transport allows materials to move without energy, while active transport requires energy. This system maintains cellular homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Cell Membrane and Passive Transport
The cell membrane is fundamental to cellular function, providing a barrier between the internal workings of a cell and its surrounding environment. It's structured as a phospholipid bilayer with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, creating a selectively permeable membrane that allows only certain substances to pass through based on size, polarity, and presence of specific transport mechanisms. Proteins and carbohydrates are embedded within this bilayer, serving various roles such as transport, signalling, and cell recognition.
In the realm of passive transport, substances move across the cell membrane without the expenditure of cellular energy. This process includes simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion via transport proteins, and osmosis. In contrast, active transport requires energy, often in the form of ATP, to move substances against their concentration gradient using specialized protein pumps or vesicle-mediated mechanisms.
The cell membrane's structure and function are described by the fluid mosaic model, highlighting its flexible nature and the diverse array of molecules that make up its composition. The membrane's selective permeability is crucial for maintaining homeostasis within the cell, ensuring that essential nutrients are absorbed, metabolic wastes are expelled, and harmful substances are kept out.