Biology Key Terms Quiz

Questions and Answers

What role does turgor pressure play in plant cells?

It provides structure and strength to the cell (correct)

It allows for the movement of molecules into the mitochondria

It helps in the absorption of nutrients through the roots

It facilitates leaf movements in response to light

Which of the following accurately describes active transport?

Movement of molecules from high to low concentration using energy

Movement of molecules from low to high concentration using energy (correct)

Movement of water molecules across a permeable membrane

Movement of molecules without energy expenditure

What would be the likely effect on an animal cell placed in a hypertonic solution?

It would remain unchanged in shape and volume

It would swell and potentially burst

It would lose water and shrink (correct)

It would become rigid and maintain its volume

How is osmosis defined in biological terms?

Movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes a hypotonic solution?

It has a lower concentration than the cytoplasm Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding selectively permeable membranes?

They allow some substances to pass while blocking others Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of an isotonic solution?

It has the same concentration as the cytoplasm Signup and view all the answers

What would occur during plasmolysis in a plant cell?

The cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Key Terms

Diffusion: Movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Active Transport: Movement of molecules from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration, requiring energy.
Osmosis: Movement of water molecules across a selectively-permeable membrane from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration.
Selectively Permeable Membrane: A barrier that allows some substances to pass while blocking others.

Characteristics of Solutions

Isotonic Solution: Has the same concentration as the cytoplasm of the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.
Hypotonic Solution: Has a lower concentration than the cytoplasm, potentially causing cells to swell.
Hypertonic Solution: Has a higher concentration than the cytoplasm, which can lead to cell shrinkage.

Effects and Functions

Turgor Pressure: The pressure exerted by the cytoplasm and vacuole against the cell wall, providing structural support to the cell.
Function of Turgor Pressure: Essential for maintaining cell shape and rigidity.
Plasmolysis: Occurs when the cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall due to loss of water, usually in a hypertonic environment.

Practical Applications

Osmosis in Food Preservation: Salt solutions are often used to preserve fish and meat by drawing out moisture through osmosis.

Experiment Insights

Selectively Permeable Material: Visking tubing is commonly used in experiments to simulate a selectively permeable membrane.
Preventing Leakage: Tied ends of visking tubing are kept above water to prevent any leakage of the solution inside.
Observation of Osmosis: The increase in mass and fullness of visking tubing filled with sucrose solution indicates that osmosis has taken place.

Effects on Cells

In a sucrose solution, an animal cell would likely experience water loss, leading to cell shrinkage due to the hypertonic external environment.

Description

Test your understanding of essential biology concepts with this quiz focused on terms like diffusion, active transport, osmosis, and selectively permeable membranes. Each question is designed to help reinforce your knowledge of these foundational topics in cellular biology.