Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes as another solution, resulting in no net movement of water across a semipermeable membrane.

Front

What happens to red blood cells in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water enters red blood cells, causing them to swell and potentially burst (lyse).

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration.

Front

What is the role of contractile vacuoles in Paramecia?

Back

Contractile vacuoles in Paramecia expel excess water to maintain osmotic balance in a hypotonic environment.

Front

How does osmolarity affect the rate of water movement in cells?

Back

Higher osmolarity outside the cell leads to less water entering the cell, while lower osmolarity increases water influx.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

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

Front

Give an example of passive transport. What is its significance?

Back

An example of passive transport is the movement of water through aquaporins. It is significant for maintaining cell homeostasis.

Front

How does temperature affect the rate of diffusion?

Back

Increasing temperature generally increases the kinetic energy of molecules, leading to a higher rate of diffusion.

Front

What is the relationship between molecular size and diffusion rate?

Back

Larger molecules typically diffuse more slowly than smaller molecules due to their greater mass and size.

Front

What is the effect of distance on diffusion?

Back

Greater distance slows down the rate of diffusion, as molecules take longer to travel from one area to another.