Diffusion Through a Membrane

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane.

Front

What factors affect the rate of diffusion?

Back

Factors include temperature, concentration gradient, size of molecules, and the nature of the medium.

Front

What is the role of the cell membrane in diffusion?

Back

The cell membrane regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, facilitating diffusion.

Front

What is the difference between passive and active transport?

Back

Passive transport does not require energy and relies on concentration gradients, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their gradient.

Front

What is the significance of the concentration gradient in diffusion?

Back

The concentration gradient drives the movement of molecules during diffusion, with substances moving from high to low concentration.

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing cells to lose water.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing cells to gain water.

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has equal concentrations of solutes compared to another solution, resulting in no net movement of water.