Diffusion and Osmosis

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

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What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion 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 hypotonic mean?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing cells to swell as water enters.

Front

What does hypertonic mean?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing cells to shrink as water exits.

Front

What does isotonic mean?

Back

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

Front

What is a concentration gradient?

Back

A concentration gradient is the difference in concentration of a substance across a space, driving diffusion.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, following the concentration gradient.

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What is active transport?

Back

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

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport that uses protein channels to help move substances across the cell membrane.

Front

What is the role of a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain substances to pass while blocking others, crucial for maintaining homeostasis in cells.