Osmosis & Tonicity

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

Define hypotonic solution.

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of a cell, causing water to enter the cell, which may lead to swelling or bursting.

Front

Define hypertonic solution.

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of a cell, causing water to leave the cell, which may lead to shrinking.

Front

Define isotonic solution.

Back

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

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is the process of passive transport of molecules across a cell membrane via specific transmembrane integral proteins.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, requiring energy (ATP).

Front

How does osmosis affect plant cells in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water enters plant cells, causing them to swell and become turgid, which helps maintain plant structure.

Front

How does osmosis affect animal cells in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water enters animal cells, which can lead to swelling and potentially bursting (lysis) of the cells.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, water leaves the cell, causing it to shrink (crenate) due to loss of water.

Front

What is the role of protein channels in facilitated diffusion?

Back

Protein channels provide a pathway for specific molecules to cross the cell membrane without the need for energy.