Cell Membrane, Diffusion and Osmosis

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which particles spread from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What factors affect the rate of diffusion?

Back

The rate of diffusion is affected by temperature, concentration gradient, surface area, and the size of the particles.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What is a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules or ions to pass through it while blocking others.

Front

What does hydrophilic mean?

Back

Hydrophilic means 'loves water' and refers to substances that can interact with or dissolve in water.

Front

What does hydrophobic mean?

Back

Hydrophobic means 'hates water' and refers to substances that do not interact with or dissolve in water.

Front

What is a 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.

Front

What is an 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.

Front

What is a 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.

Front

What is endocytosis?

Back

Endocytosis is the process by which cells engulf substances from their external environment, bringing them into the cell.