Osmosis

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

Define hypertonic solution.

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, leading to water moving out of cells placed in this solution.

Front

Define hypotonic solution.

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing water to move into cells placed in this solution.

Front

Define isotonic solution.

Back

An isotonic solution has an equal concentration of solutes compared to another solution, resulting in no net movement of water into or out of cells.

Front

What happens to an animal cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

The animal cell will shrink as water moves out of the cell to balance the solute concentration.

Front

What happens to an animal cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

The animal cell will swell and may burst as water moves into the cell.

Front

What is the significance of osmosis in cells?

Back

Osmosis is crucial for maintaining cell turgor pressure, nutrient absorption, and waste removal.

Front

Why can't humans drink salt water?

Back

Drinking salt water is harmful because it is hypertonic to human cells, causing dehydration as water is drawn out of the cells.

Front

What is a selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others, crucial for osmosis.

Front

How does osmosis affect plant cells?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, plant cells become turgid (firm) due to water intake, while in a hypertonic solution, they become plasmolyzed (shrunken).