This introduction covers The Cell's Transport System within Cell Transport for GCSE Biology. Diffusion, osmosis, active transport, factors affecting transport, surface area to volume ratio, and practical investigations It is section 1 of 19 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

🚗 The Cell's Transport System

Imagine a bustling city where millions of residents need food, water, and supplies delivered to their homes, while waste needs to be removed. Cells face the same challenge! Every cell needs nutrients like glucose and oxygen to survive, while waste products like carbon dioxide must be expelled.

Cells have evolved three main transport systems to move substances in and out: diffusion (like people naturally spreading out in a crowded room), osmosis (the special movement of water), and active transport (using energy to move things uphill). Understanding these processes is crucial for GCSE Biology - they appear in virtually every biological system you'll study!

Practice questions for Cell Transport

Which statement best describes diffusion?

A. The movement of particles from a region of low concentration to high concentration
B. The net movement of particles from a region of high concentration to low concentration
C. The movement of water molecules through a partially permeable membrane
D. The movement of particles using energy from respiration

1 markfoundation

Explain how osmosis causes a plant cell to become plasmolysed when placed in a concentrated sugar solution.

3 marksstandard

Quick recall flashcards

Define osmosis

The movement of water molecules from an area of high water concentration (low solute concentration) to an area of low water concentration (high solute concentration) through a semi-permeable membrane.

Define diffusion

The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration down a concentration gradient. No energy is required (passive process).

The Cell's Transport System