Osmosis and Diffusion / Homeostasis and Transport

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

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What is diffusion?

Back

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

Front

What is active transport?

Back

The movement of molecules across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP) and often involving transport proteins.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

A type of passive transport that uses transport proteins to help move molecules across the cell membrane without the use of energy.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

The movement of substances across a cell membrane without the need for energy input, including processes like diffusion and osmosis.

Front

What is a concentration gradient?

Back

A difference in the concentration of a substance across a space, which drives the movement of molecules during diffusion and osmosis.

Front

What role do proteins play in cell transport?

Back

Proteins can act as channels or carriers to facilitate the movement of substances across the cell membrane, especially in facilitated diffusion and active transport.

Front

What is homeostasis?

Back

The process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Front

How does osmosis contribute to homeostasis?

Back

Osmosis helps regulate the balance of water and solutes in cells, which is essential for maintaining proper cell function and overall homeostasis.

Front

What is the difference between simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion?

Back

Simple diffusion occurs directly through the phospholipid bilayer, while facilitated diffusion requires specific transport proteins to help move molecules.