Osmosis Problems

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

What does hypotonic mean in relation to cell environments?

Back

A hypotonic environment has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, leading to water entering the cell.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

The cell may swell and perhaps burst (lyse) due to the influx of water.

Front

What does hypertonic mean in relation to cell environments?

Back

A hypertonic environment has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to leave the cell.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

The cell will lose water and shrink due to the outflow of water.

Front

What is isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes as the inside of the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

How does salt concentration affect osmosis?

Back

Higher salt concentration outside the cell creates a hypertonic environment, leading to water leaving the cell.

Front

What is the role of the cell membrane in osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of saline solutions in medical treatments?

Back

Saline solutions are isotonic to red blood cells, preventing cell lysis or shrinkage during medical treatments.

Front

What is the effect of osmosis on plant cells in hypotonic solutions?

Back

Plant cells become turgid (firm) as water enters, which is essential for maintaining structure.