Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Cellular Physiology

Cellular Physiology

A.iv · Cell Membrane Transport

Official V5 objective
Explain the mechanisms of transport of substances across cell membranes,
4 SAQ topics 6 SAQ appearances 3 VIVA stations

Written examination

SAQ history

6 appearances
Discuss the important factors in exchange of gases and substrates between capillaries and tissue cells.
40%
Describe transport mechanisms across cell membranes. Give an example of each.
50%
Cell Transport — Na/K Pump
1 exam appearance
Explain the mechanisms of transport of substances across cell membranes including appropriate examples (75% marks). Outline the structure and function of the Na+/K+-ATPase pump (25% marks).
61%
Cell Transport — RMP & Donnan
3 exam appearances
a) Explain the mechanisms responsible for the resting membrane potential of a neuronal cell (60% of marks). b) Describe the Gibbs-Donnan effect (40% of marks).
54.2%
(a) Explain the mechanisms responsible for the cell resting membrane potential (70% of marks). (b) Describe the Gibbs Donnan effect (30% of marks).
57%
Explain the mechanisms responsible for the cell resting membrane potential (60% of marks) and describe the Gibbs Donnan effect (40% of marks)
35%

Oral examination

VIVA history

3 stations

Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.