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 happens to cells when placed in pure water?

Back

Cells will expand because pure water is hypotonic compared to the cell's internal environment.

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 does isotonic mean?

Back

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

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration compared to another solution, causing cells to lose water and shrink.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower solute concentration compared to another solution, causing cells to gain water and swell.

Front

Why is drinking sea water dangerous?

Back

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

Front

What happens to a gummy bear in salt water?

Back

A gummy bear placed in salt water will shrink due to the hypertonic environment, losing water to the surrounding solution.

Front

What is the role of a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others, facilitating osmosis and diffusion.

Front

What is the difference between diffusion and osmosis?

Back

Diffusion refers to the movement of solute molecules, while osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules.