Cell Transport: Osmosis & Tonicity

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

Define hypertonic solution.

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, leading to the movement of water out of cells, causing them to shrink.

Front

Define hypotonic solution.

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, leading to the movement of water into cells, causing them to swell.

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has an equal concentration of solutes compared to another solution, resulting in no net movement of water into or out of cells.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

The cell loses water and may shrink or crenate due to the higher solute concentration outside the cell.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

The cell gains water and may swell or burst due to the lower solute concentration outside the cell.

Front

What is dynamic equilibrium in the context of osmosis?

Back

Dynamic equilibrium occurs when the rate of water movement into the cell equals the rate of water movement out of the cell, resulting in stable cell volume.

Front

How does salt water affect plant cells?

Back

Salt water is hypertonic to plant cells, causing them to lose water and wilt.

Front

What is the effect of an isotonic solution on plant cells?

Back

In an isotonic solution, plant cells maintain their shape and turgor pressure as water moves in and out at equal rates.

Front

What is the significance of solute concentration in osmosis?

Back

Solute concentration determines the direction of water movement during osmosis, influencing cell size and function.