Diffusion and Osmosis

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration until they are evenly distributed.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, water leaves the cell, causing it to shrink.

Front

What is a semi-permeable membrane?

Back

A semi-permeable membrane is a barrier that allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others.

Front

Define isotonic solution.

Back

An isotonic solution has the same solute concentration as the inside of the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What is the role of active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, requiring energy.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the use of energy, typically along the concentration gradient.

Front

Explain the term 'solute'.

Back

A solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution.

Front

Explain the term 'solvent'.

Back

A solvent is a substance that dissolves a solute, resulting in a solution.