Osmosis

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 happens to cells in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, cells lose water and shrink because the concentration of solutes outside the cell is higher than inside.

Front

What happens to cells in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, cells gain water and may swell or burst because the concentration of solutes inside the cell is higher than outside.

Front

What is a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane is a barrier that allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others, such as the cell membrane.

Front

What direction do water molecules move during osmosis?

Back

Water molecules move from an area of greater concentration (more water) to an area of lower concentration (less water).

Front

What is equilibrium in the context of osmosis?

Back

Equilibrium is the state where the concentration of water molecules is equal on both sides of the membrane, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

How does temperature affect the rate of osmosis?

Back

Higher temperatures increase the kinetic energy of water molecules, which can speed up the rate of osmosis.

Front

What role do aquaporins play in osmosis?

Back

Aquaporins are specialized protein channels in the cell membrane that facilitate the rapid transport of water molecules during osmosis.

Front

What is the effect of osmosis on plant cells?

Back

Osmosis helps maintain turgor pressure in plant cells, which keeps them firm and upright.

Front

What is the difference between osmosis and diffusion?

Back

Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water, while diffusion refers to the movement of any molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.