Osmosis and Diffusion

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Front

What is the role of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane regulates what enters and leaves a cell, maintaining homeostasis.

Front

Define selective permeability.

Back

Selective permeability is the ability of the cell membrane to allow some substances to pass through while preventing others.

Front

What factors affect the rate of diffusion?

Back

Factors that affect the rate of diffusion include concentration gradient, temperature, surface area, and the nature of the molecules.

Front

What is a concentration gradient?

Back

A concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance across a space.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is a process that allows substances to cross membranes with the assistance of special proteins.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, requiring energy.

Front

What is the difference between passive and active transport?

Back

Passive transport does not require energy and moves substances down their concentration gradient, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.

Front

What is equilibrium in the context of diffusion?

Back

Equilibrium is the state reached when the concentration of a substance is equal throughout a space, resulting in no net movement of molecules.