Moving metals in and out of cells happens in a few different ways:
Passive diffusion: Tiny metals, like lithium, can sneak right through the outer layer of the cell, called the lipid bilayer.
Transport proteins: Special proteins, known as metal transporters, help move bigger metals, like iron and zinc, into and out of the cell.
Endocytosis: Bigger metal groups can be taken in by the cell when the membrane wraps around them.
These methods are really important. They help keep the right balance of metals in the cell, which is necessary for the cell to work properly and for enzymes to do their job.
Moving metals in and out of cells happens in a few different ways:
Passive diffusion: Tiny metals, like lithium, can sneak right through the outer layer of the cell, called the lipid bilayer.
Transport proteins: Special proteins, known as metal transporters, help move bigger metals, like iron and zinc, into and out of the cell.
Endocytosis: Bigger metal groups can be taken in by the cell when the membrane wraps around them.
These methods are really important. They help keep the right balance of metals in the cell, which is necessary for the cell to work properly and for enzymes to do their job.