Diffusion/Osmosis

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion 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 isotonic mean?

Back

Isotonic refers to a solution that has the same concentration of solutes as another solution, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What is selective permeability?

Back

Selective permeability is the ability of a cell membrane to allow some substances to pass through while blocking others.

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 a concentration gradient?

Back

A concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance across a space.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane using energy, usually against a concentration gradient.

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.

Front

What is the role of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis.