Osmosis

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What type of solute is primarily discussed in osmosis examples?

Back

Salt.

Front

What is the main substance that moves during osmosis?

Back

Water.

Front

What does hypertonic mean in relation to cells?

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

What happens to cells in a hypertonic solution?

Back

Cells will shrivel as water moves out of them.

Front

What is a 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

What happens to cells in a hypotonic solution?

Back

Cells will swell and may burst as water moves into them.

Front

What does isotonic mean?

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 is the process of osmosis driven by?

Back

The concentration gradient of solutes.

Front

Why can't you drink salt water?

Back

Because it is hypertonic to your cells, leading to dehydration.