[10] Diffusion and Osmosis

Question 1

Define “diffusion” in the context of human physiology.

Answer 1

It’s a process where molecules spread out evenly in an available space due to their kinetic energy.

Question 2

What is “osmosis” in the context of human physiology?

Answer 2

It’s a special type of diffusion where water moves across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Question 3

How does temperature influence diffusion?

Answer 3

Higher temperatures increase the speed of diffusion as particles move more quickly.

Question 4

What is the relationship between size of molecules and the rate of diffusion?

Answer 4

Smaller molecules diffuse faster than larger ones.

Question 5

How does concentration gradient affect the rate of diffusion?

Answer 5

The greater the concentration gradient (difference), the faster the rate of diffusion.

Question 6

What is a “semipermeable membrane”?

Answer 6

A barrier that allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others.

Question 7

In osmosis, through what does water usually move?

Answer 7

Water usually moves through a semipermeable membrane.

Question 8

What is the role of osmosis in maintaining cell volume and shape?

Answer 8

Osmosis helps balance water concentration inside and outside the cell, thus maintaining its volume and shape.

Question 9

What is “osmotic pressure”?

Answer 9

The force needed to stop osmosis.

Question 10

How does osmotic pressure influence the movement of water in the body?

Answer 10

It can cause water to move into areas of higher solute concentration, affecting fluid distribution in body compartments.

Question 11

What is “isotonic solution”?

Answer 11

A solution with the same solute concentration as another solution, so no net movement of water occurs.

Question 12

What is “hypotonic solution”?

Answer 12

A solution with a lower solute concentration, causing water to move into the area of higher solute concentration.

Question 13

What is “hypertonic solution”?

Answer 13

A solution with a higher solute concentration, causing water to move out of the area of lower solute concentration.

Question 14

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Answer 14

The cell will shrink due to water loss.

Question 15

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Answer 15

The cell will swell due to water gain.

Question 16

What is the result of osmosis in the human body?

Answer 16

The balanced distribution of fluids in body compartments.