Learning objectives in terms of verbs

By the end of this chapter, the student will be able to:

• Define the types of exchanges between microorganisms and their environment
• Identify membrane transport mechanisms
• Compare simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and active transport
• Explain the role of the cytoplasmic membrane in molecular exchange
• Analyze the effects of osmosis on microbial cells
• Interpret microbial adaptation to environmental conditions