Osmosis

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 the inside of the cell, causing water to move out of the cell.

Front

Define hypotonic solution.

Back

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

Front

Define isotonic solution.

Back

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

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

The cell swells and may burst due to the influx of water.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

The cell shrinks as water moves out of the cell.

Front

What is the direction of water movement in osmosis?

Back

Water moves from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Front

What is equilibrium in the context of osmosis?

Back

Equilibrium is reached when the concentration of solutes is equal on both sides of the membrane, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

How does osmosis affect plant cells?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, plant cells become turgid (firm) due to water intake; in a hypertonic solution, they become plasmolyzed (shrunken).

Front

What role does the cell membrane play in osmosis?

Back

The cell membrane is selectively permeable, allowing water to pass through while restricting the movement of solutes.