Diffusion and Osmosis

Front

What is a concentration gradient?

Back

A difference in the concentration of a substance across a space or between two solutions.

Front

What type of solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of a cell?

Back

Hypertonic solution.

Front

What type of solution has an equal concentration of solutes compared to the inside of a cell?

Back

Isotonic solution.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

The movement of water molecules through a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

In osmosis, do water molecules move from high to low solute concentration or low to high?

Back

Water molecules move from low to high solute concentration.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

The cell will lose water and shrink.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

The cell will gain water and may swell or burst.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A solution that has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of a cell.

Front

Define equilibrium in the context of diffusion.

Back

A state where the concentration of a substance is equal throughout a space.

Front

What is the role of the cell membrane in osmosis?

Back

The cell membrane is semipermeable, allowing water to pass while restricting solute movement.