Selective permeability

Definition

Selective permeability is a property of cellular membranes that allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others. This ensures that essential molecules such as nutrients and ions can enter the cell, while harmful substances are kept out.

Related terms

Diffusion:

The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Osmosis:

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Lipid Bilayer: A double layer of lipids that forms the core structure of all cell membranes, providing a barrier that marks the boundaries of a cell