H Homeostasis in Cells Review

Front

What is homeostasis?

Back

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain stable, constant conditions, despite changes in the external environment.

Front

What is a concentration gradient?

Back

A concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance across a space. It drives the movement of substances from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

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

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the process of moving ions or molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, using energy (ATP).

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 a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, leading to water moving out of the cell.

Front

What is equilibrium in terms of concentration?

Back

Equilibrium is reached when the concentration of a substance is equal inside and outside of a cell, resulting in no net movement of that substance.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What role does ATP play in cellular processes?

Back

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) provides the energy required for active transport and other cellular processes.

Front

What is the effect of a saline drip on cells?

Back

A saline drip with a high concentration of salt (hypertonic) will cause cells to lose water, shrivel, and potentially die.