Osmosis

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration through a selectively permeable membrane.

Front

What direction does water move during osmosis?

Back

Water moves from high concentration to low concentration.

Front

What is a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

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

Front

What does isotonic mean?

Back

Isotonic means that the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

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 equilibrium in the context of osmosis?

Back

Equilibrium is reached when the concentration of water molecules is equal on both sides of the membrane.

Front

What role does energy play in osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is a passive process and does not require energy; it occurs naturally due to concentration gradients.

Front

How does osmosis differ from diffusion?

Back

Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water, while diffusion refers to the movement of any molecules from high to low concentration.

Front

What is the significance of osmosis in living organisms?

Back

Osmosis is crucial for maintaining cell turgor pressure, nutrient absorption, and waste removal.