Cell Membrane, Diffusion and Osmosis

Front

What is the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane is a biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the outside environment. It is selectively permeable, allowing certain substances to pass while blocking others.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules spread from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until they are evenly distributed.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

Define hypertonic solution.

Back

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

Front

Define hypotonic solution.

Back

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

Front

Define 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 is selective permeability?

Back

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

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell, which may cause the cell 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 the cell to shrink.

Front

What is equilibrium in the context of diffusion?

Back

Equilibrium in diffusion occurs when the concentration of particles is equal throughout a space, resulting in no net movement of particles.