Osmosis

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

Define hypotonic solution.

Back

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

Front

Define hypertonic solution.

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to flow out of the cell.

Front

Define isotonic solution.

Back

An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes as the inside of the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, the cell loses water and may shrivel due to the higher concentration of solutes outside the cell.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, the cell gains water and may swell or burst due to the lower concentration of solutes outside the cell.

Front

What is the direction of water movement in osmosis?

Back

Water moves from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Front

What is the role of a selectively permeable membrane in osmosis?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules, like water, to pass through while restricting others, facilitating osmosis.

Front

What is the difference between osmosis and diffusion?

Back

Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water, while diffusion refers to the movement of any molecules from high to low concentration.

Front

What is equilibrium in the context of osmosis?

Back

Equilibrium is reached when the concentration of solutes is equal on both sides of the membrane, resulting in no net movement of water.