Osmosis and Diffusion

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What does equilibrium mean in the context of cells?

Back

Equilibrium is the state where the concentration of solutes is equal 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 the cell to shrink.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell, causing the cell to expand or swell.

Front

What does permeable mean?

Back

Permeable means that substances can pass through a membrane.

Front

What is a semi-permeable membrane?

Back

A semi-permeable membrane allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others, typically allowing water but not solutes.

Front

Why can't a person drink salty water?

Back

Drinking salty water causes cells to lose water and shrink due to osmosis, as the salt concentration outside the cells is higher.

Front

What is the effect of pure water on human cells?

Back

Pure water can cause human cells to expand and potentially burst due to the influx of water.

Front

What is solute?

Back

A solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solvent, forming a solution.