Diffusion & Osmosis

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

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 happens to cells in a hypertonic solution?

Back

Cells lose water and can become shriveled and dehydrated.

Front

What happens to cells in a hypotonic solution?

Back

Cells gain water and can swell or even burst.

Front

What is an 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 is a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others.

Front

What is the role 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.

Front

How does temperature affect the rate of diffusion?

Back

Higher temperatures increase the kinetic energy of molecules, leading to faster diffusion rates.

Front

What is the significance of the gummy bear experiment in understanding osmosis?

Back

The gummy bear experiment demonstrates how osmosis works, showing how a bear placed in salt water will lose water and shrink.

Front

Why is drinking seawater dangerous?

Back

Drinking seawater is dangerous because it is hypertonic to human cells, leading to dehydration.