Homeostasis

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane.

Front

Why do red blood cells burst in distilled water while onion cells do not?

Back

Red blood cells have only a cell membrane which does not protect them from bursting.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

The cell will lyse/burst because it is placed in a hypotonic solution.

Front

What is the outcome of diffusion regarding concentration?

Back

Eventually becomes balanced, creating equilibrium.

Front

What happens to fiddler crabs placed in tap water?

Back

The crabs will die if left in tap water, their cells will burst.

Front

Define hypertonic solution.

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell.

Front

Define hypotonic solution.

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell.

Front

What is isotonic solution?

Back

An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes as the inside of the cell.

Front

What is equilibrium in the context of diffusion?

Back

Equilibrium is the state where the concentration of substances is balanced on both sides of a membrane.

Front

What is the role of a semi-permeable membrane?

Back

A semi-permeable membrane allows certain substances to pass while blocking others.