Passive Transport: Osmosis and Diffusion

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy by the cell. It relies on the concentration gradient.

Front

Define osmosis.

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

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

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes is the same inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink or crenate.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, leading to water moving into the cell.

Front

What is a solvent?

Back

A solvent is a substance in which a solute is dissolved to form a solution.

Front

What is a solute?

Back

A solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution.

Front

What occurs when a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution?

Back

When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst.

Front

What is the effect of drinking salty water on human cells?

Back

Drinking salty water causes human cells to shrink because the high salt concentration outside the cells draws water out.