Diffusion & 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 is a solute?

Back

A solute is a substance that can be dissolved in a solvent to form a solution.

Front

What is a solvent?

Back

A solvent is a substance that dissolves a solute, resulting in a solution.

Front

What is a solution?

Back

A solution is a homogeneous mixture formed when a solute is dissolved in a solvent.

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.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst.

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, and there is no net movement of molecules.

Front

What is the role of the cell membrane in osmosis?

Back

The cell membrane is selectively permeable, allowing water to pass through while controlling the movement of solutes.

Front

What is the significance of concentration gradients in diffusion?

Back

Concentration gradients drive the movement of molecules during diffusion, with substances moving from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration.