Diffusion/Osmosis

Front

What is the definition of diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Front

What happens to water movement when the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside a cell?

Back

There will be no net movement of water into or out of the cell.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules against a concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Front

What is a concentration gradient?

Back

A concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance between two areas.

Front

How does temperature affect the rate of diffusion?

Back

Generally, an increase in temperature increases the rate of diffusion, as molecules move faster.

Front

What is a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane is a barrier that allows certain substances to pass while blocking others.

Front

What is the role of carrier proteins in active transport?

Back

Carrier proteins help transport substances across a membrane against their concentration gradient, using energy.

Front

What is the significance of equilibrium in diffusion?

Back

Equilibrium is reached when the concentration of molecules is equal throughout a space, resulting in no net movement.

Front

What is the difference between passive and active transport?

Back

Passive transport does not require energy and moves substances down their concentration gradient, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their gradient.