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 they are evenly distributed.

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 concentration gradient?

Back

A concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance between two areas.

Front

What does it mean when a cell is in equilibrium?

Back

A cell is in equilibrium when the concentration of molecules is the same inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of molecules.

Front

What is homeostasis?

Back

Homeostasis is the ability of an organism or cell to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, typically along the concentration gradient.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP) to do so.

Front

What role do cell membranes play in diffusion and osmosis?

Back

Cell membranes are selectively permeable, allowing certain molecules to pass while blocking others, thus facilitating diffusion and 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.

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.