Osmosis and Diffusion Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is osmosis?

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

What is a semi-permeable membrane?

A semi-permeable membrane is a membrane that allows some molecules to pass through but not others.

What is diffusion?

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

What is the difference between osmosis and diffusion?

The difference is that osmosis involves the movement of liquids such as water, while diffusion can involve gases and solids. Signup and view all the answers

What is passive transport?

Passive transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the use of energy by the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is active transport?

Active transport is the movement of molecules through a cell membrane using energy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a concentration gradient?

A concentration gradient is the difference in the concentration of a substance from one location to another. Signup and view all the answers

What is a solute?

A solute is a substance that is dissolved in a solution. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hypertonic solution?

A hypertonic solution is one having a higher concentration of solute than another solution. Signup and view all the answers

What is a solution?

A solution is a mixture that forms when one substance dissolves another. Signup and view all the answers

What is isotonic?

Isotonic refers to when the concentration of two solutions is the same. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hypotonic solution?

A hypotonic solution has a lesser concentration of solutes compared to another solution. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Osmosis

Osmosis involves water movement through a semi-permeable membrane.
Water travels from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration.

Semi-permeable Membrane

A barrier that permits certain molecules to pass while blocking others.
Essential component of cell membranes, regulating substance movement.

Diffusion

The process where molecules move from higher concentration areas to lower ones.
Applies to various types of molecules including gases and solids.

Differences Between Osmosis and Diffusion

Osmosis specifically refers to water movement, while diffusion encompasses all types of molecules.
Example: The scent of gas released by a dog can be perceived due to diffusion.

Passive Transport

Molecules pass through cell membranes without energy use.
Relies on natural movement along concentration gradients.

Active Transport

Movement of molecules across membranes that requires energy.
Often called facilitated diffusion, it contradicts passive transport.

Concentration Gradient

Represents the variance in substance concentration across different locations.
Drives both osmosis and diffusion processes.

Solute

A dissolved substance within a solution.
Essential for understanding concentrations in both hypertonic and hypotonic solutions.

Hypertonic Solution

Characterized by a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution.
Can lead to water movement out of cells, causing them to shrink.

Solution

Formed when a substance dissolves into another, creating a uniform mixture.
Common in chemical and biological contexts.

Isotonic Solution

Equilibrium of solute concentration between two solutions.
No net movement of water occurs between isotonic solutions.

Hypotonic Solution

Has a lower concentration of solutes relative to another solution.
Can cause cells to swell as water moves inward from a higher concentration area.

Description

Test your understanding of osmosis and diffusion with these flashcards. Learn key terms like osmosis, semi-permeable membrane, and diffusion to enhance your grasp of these essential biological processes.