5 Questions
What is osmosis?
The movement of water from a region of low concentration to a region of high concentration
What is the direction of water movement in osmosis?
From low concentration to high concentration
What is the purpose of osmosis in cells?
To maintain cell shape and structure
What is the term for a solution that has a higher concentration of solutes than the cell?
Hypertonic
What happens to a cell placed in a hypotonic solution?
The cell will swell
Study Notes
Osmosis Basics
- Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration through a selectively permeable membrane.
Direction of Water Movement
- In osmosis, water moves from an area of high water concentration (hypotonic solution) to an area of low water concentration (hypertonic solution).
Purpose of Osmosis in Cells
- The purpose of osmosis in cells is to maintain cellular balance and regulate the concentration of solutes within the cell.
Concentration of Solutes
- A solution that has a higher concentration of solutes than the cell is called a hypertonic solution.
- A solution that has a lower concentration of solutes than the cell is called a hypotonic solution.
- A solution that has the same concentration of solutes as the cell is called an isotonic solution.
Effects of Hypotonic Solution on Cells
- When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, water rushes into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst (lyse).
Understand the concept of osmosis, the direction of water movement, and its purpose in cells. Learn about hypotonic and hypertonic solutions and their effects on cells.
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