Passive Transport and Osmosis

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy by the cell. It relies on the concentration gradient.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water flows into 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 flows out of the cell, causing it to shrink.

Front

What is the role of a semi-permeable membrane in osmosis?

Back

A semi-permeable membrane allows certain molecules, like water, to pass through while blocking others, facilitating osmosis.

Front

What are the two types of passive transport?

Back

The two types of passive transport are simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion.

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 difference between diffusion and osmosis?

Back

Diffusion refers to the movement of any substance from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration, while osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water.

Front

What is a concentration gradient?

Back

A concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance across a space, which drives the movement of molecules.

Front

What is the significance of equilibrium in passive transport?

Back

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