OSMOSIS/DIFFUSION

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

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 a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes is lower outside the cell than inside, causing water to move into the cell.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes is higher outside the cell than inside, causing water to move out of the cell.

Front

What is isotonic solution?

Back

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

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic environment?

Back

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

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic environment?

Back

In a hypertonic environment, water leaves the cell, causing it to shrink.

Front

What is the role of the cell membrane in osmosis?

Back

The cell membrane is selectively permeable, allowing water to pass through while restricting the movement of solutes.

Front

How does temperature affect the rate of diffusion?

Back

Higher temperatures increase the kinetic energy of molecules, leading to a faster rate of diffusion.

Front

What is the concentration gradient?

Back

The concentration gradient is the difference in concentration of a substance between two areas, driving the movement of molecules during diffusion.