Osmosis Review

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solute outside the cell than inside, causing water to leave the cell.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solute outside the cell than inside, causing water to enter the cell.

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solute inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

The cell will lose water and may shrivel or crenate.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

The cell will gain water and may swell or even burst (lyse).

Front

What is the role of a selectively permeable membrane in osmosis?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows only certain molecules, like water, to pass through while blocking others, such as solutes.

Front

How does osmosis affect plant cells?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, plant cells become turgid (firm) due to water entering, while in a hypertonic solution, they become plasmolyzed (shrunken).

Front

What is osmotic pressure?

Back

Osmotic pressure is the pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane due to osmosis.

Front

What is the significance of osmosis in living organisms?

Back

Osmosis is crucial for maintaining cell turgor, nutrient absorption, and waste removal in living organisms.