Osmosis

Front

What does permeable mean in the context of cell membranes?

Back

Permeable means that substances can pass through the membrane.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes is lower outside the cell than inside, causing water to move into the cell.

Front

What happens to a blood cell placed in an isotonic solution?

Back

In an isotonic solution, water moves equally in and out of the blood cell, maintaining its shape.

Front

Define osmosis.

Back

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

Front

What occurs when a slug is salted?

Back

When a slug is salted, water moves out of the slug's cells into the surrounding salt solution, leading to dehydration.

Front

What is the difference between isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions?

Back

Isotonic solutions have equal solute concentrations inside and outside the cell; hypertonic solutions have a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell, causing water to leave; hypotonic solutions have a lower concentration of solutes outside the cell, causing water to enter.

Front

How does osmosis affect plant cells?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, plant cells become turgid (firm) as water enters; in a hypertonic solution, they become plasmolyzed (shrunken) as water leaves.

Front

What role does the cell membrane play in osmosis?

Back

The cell membrane is selectively permeable, allowing water to pass through while restricting the movement of solutes.

Front

What is osmotic pressure?

Back

Osmotic pressure is the pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane due to osmosis.

Front

How can osmosis be observed in everyday life?

Back

Osmosis can be observed when placing a cucumber in salt, causing it to lose water and become limp.