Diffusion and Osmosis

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

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

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

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

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, requiring energy (ATP) to do so.

Front

What role does the cell membrane play in cellular transport?

Back

The cell membrane regulates what enters and leaves the cell, maintaining homeostasis.

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.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst.

Front

What is an isotonic solution?

Back

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

Front

What is a concentration gradient?

Back

A concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance across a space.

Front

What is equilibrium in the context of diffusion?

Back

Equilibrium is the state reached when the concentration of a substance is equal throughout a space, resulting in no net movement.

Front

What is the significance of the selectively permeable membrane?

Back

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules to pass while blocking others, crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis.