Diffusion/Osmosis

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What does it mean for a solution to be isotonic?

Back

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

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell, causing the cell to shrink.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell, causing the cell to swell and potentially burst.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

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

Front

What is a concentration gradient?

Back

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

Front

What role do cell membranes play in osmosis?

Back

Cell membranes are selectively permeable, allowing water to pass through while restricting the movement of solutes.

Front

What is the significance of equilibrium in diffusion?

Back

Equilibrium is reached when the concentration of particles is equal throughout a space, resulting in no net movement.