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 movement 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 'hypertonic' mean?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing water to move out of the cell.

Front

What does 'hypotonic' mean?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing water to move into the cell.

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 equilibrium in the context of diffusion?

Back

Equilibrium is the state reached when the concentration of molecules is equal throughout a space, meaning there is no net movement of molecules.

Front

What is a concentration gradient?

Back

A concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance between two areas, which drives diffusion.

Front

What is the role of a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others, facilitating osmosis and diffusion.

Front

How does temperature affect diffusion?

Back

Higher temperatures increase the energy of molecules, leading to faster diffusion rates.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is the process of passive transport of molecules across a membrane via specific transmembrane proteins.