Osmoregulation

Front

What is osmoregulation?

Back

Osmoregulation is the process by which organisms regulate the water and electrolyte balance in their bodies to maintain homeostasis.

Front

What happens to cells in a hypotonic solution?

Back

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

Front

What happens to cells in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, water leaves the cell, leading to cell shrinkage or crenation.

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has the same solute concentration as the cell's interior, resulting in no net movement of water across the cell membrane.

Front

What role do receptors play in osmoregulation?

Back

Receptors detect changes in the internal and external environment, such as changes in solute concentration, and help initiate appropriate physiological responses.

Front

What is the significance of aquaporins in osmoregulation?

Back

Aquaporins are specialized water channel proteins that facilitate the rapid transport of water across cell membranes, playing a crucial role in osmoregulation.

Front

How does the body respond to dehydration?

Back

The body responds to dehydration by releasing antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys to conserve water.

Front

What is the effect of pure water on red blood cells?

Back

Pure water causes red blood cells to swell and potentially burst due to the influx of water in a hypotonic environment.

Front

What is the function of the kidneys in osmoregulation?

Back

The kidneys filter blood, regulate water and electrolyte balance, and excrete waste products, playing a key role in maintaining homeostasis.

Front

What is the difference between osmosis and diffusion?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane, while diffusion is the movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.