8 Questions
What is osmosis?
The net diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane toward a higher solute concentration
What happens to an animal cell in a hypotonic solution?
The cell will gain water and swell
What is the term for a solution with exactly the same water concentration as the cell?
Isotonic solution
What happens to the cell in a hypertonic solution?
The cell will lose water and shrink
What is the direction of water movement in osmosis?
Towards a higher solute concentration
What is the result of osmosis in a hypotonic solution?
Water enters the cell
What is the role of the cell membrane in osmosis?
It is selectively permeable to water
What is the difference between diffusion and osmosis?
Osmosis is a special case of diffusion
Study Notes
Osmosis and Cell Response
- Osmosis is the net diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane toward a higher solute concentration.
- The movement of water across the plasma membrane is affected by the amount of substance dissolved in water.
Cells in Different Solutions
- If a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution (dilute solution with higher water concentration), the cell will gain water by osmosis, causing it to swell up.
- If a cell is placed in an isotonic solution (solution with the same water concentration as the cell), there will be no net movement of water, and the cell will stay the same size.
- If a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution (concentrated solution with lower water concentration), the cell will lose water by osmosis, causing it to shrink.
Key Terms
- Hypotonic solution: a solution with a higher water concentration than the cell.
- Isotonic solution: a solution with the same water concentration as the cell.
- Hypertonic solution: a solution with a lower water concentration than the cell.
Learn about osmosis, the movement of water across the cell membrane, and its effects on animal and plant cells in different solutions.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
