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

Define hypertonic solution.

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to move out of the cell.

Front

Define hypotonic solution.

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to move into the cell.

Front

Define isotonic solution.

Back

An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes as the inside of the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

The cell will shrink as water moves out of it.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

The cell will swell up and may burst as water moves into it.

Front

What happens to a cell in an isotonic solution?

Back

The cell remains the same size as there is no net movement of water.

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 osmosis in living organisms?

Back

Osmosis is crucial for maintaining cell turgor pressure, nutrient absorption, and waste removal.

Front

How does osmosis differ from diffusion?

Back

Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water, while diffusion refers to the movement of solutes.