Osmosis & Tonicity

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

Define hypotonic solution.

Back

A hypotonic solution is one where the solute concentration is lower outside the cell than inside, causing water to enter the cell and potentially leading to swelling or bursting.

Front

Define hypertonic solution.

Back

A hypertonic solution is one where the solute concentration is higher outside the cell than inside, causing water to leave the cell and leading to shriveling or dehydration.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, water leaves the cell, causing it to shrink and become dehydrated.

Front

What is isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution is one where the solute concentration is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

How does tonicity affect cell shape?

Back

Tonicity affects cell shape by determining the direction of water movement: hypotonic solutions cause swelling, hypertonic solutions cause shrinking, and isotonic solutions maintain cell shape.

Front

What is the role of the cell membrane in osmosis?

Back

The cell membrane acts as a selectively permeable barrier that allows water to pass through while regulating the movement of solutes.

Front

What is the significance of osmosis in biological systems?

Back

Osmosis is crucial for maintaining cell turgor pressure, nutrient absorption, and waste removal in biological systems.

Front

How can you identify a hypertonic solution in a lab setting?

Back

A hypertonic solution can be identified by observing that cells placed in it will shrink or become crenated.