Diffusion and Osmosis

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 does the prefix 'hyper' mean?

Back

The prefix 'hyper' means 'higher' than normal.

Front

What does the prefix 'hypo' mean?

Back

The prefix 'hypo' means 'lower' than normal.

Front

What is a solute?

Back

A solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solution, present in a lesser quantity compared to the solvent.

Front

What is a solvent?

Back

A solvent is the substance that dissolves the solute, present in a greater quantity in a solution.

Front

What is a cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane is a biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the outside environment, regulating what enters and leaves the cell.

Front

What is equilibrium in the context of diffusion?

Back

Equilibrium is the state reached when the concentration of molecules is equal throughout a space, resulting in no net movement of molecules.

Front

What is a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules or ions to pass through it while blocking others, crucial for processes like osmosis.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink.