Semipermeable Cell Membrane

Definition

A semipermeable cell membrane is a selectively permeable barrier in cells that allows certain substances to pass through while restricting the passage of others.

Related terms

Diffusion:

The movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Osmosis:

The diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane to equalize the concentration on both sides.

Active Transport:

The process by which cells move molecules against their concentration gradient using energy from ATP.