1.07 - Osmosis Flashcards
What is diffusion?
If there is a lower concentration in one region, the random motion will result in a tendency toward diffusion from regions of higher concentration to a lower one
What is the difference in concentration between two regions called?
A concentration gradient
What factors influence the rate of diffusion?
The magnitude of the concentration gradient
The permeability of the membrane to the substance
Surface area of the membrane
Molecular weight of the substance
Thickness of the membrane
What is osmolarity?
Total number of particles / Litre
What is osmolality?
Total number of particles / Kg
What are aquaporins?
Channel “unlike” structure with a pore that selectively passes H20 into/out of the cell.
What structure controls cell volume?
Na+/K+ ATPase controls cell volume. Generates part of Vm.
What is the difference between osmolality and tonicity?
Osmolality is an absolute measure while tonicity is a relative measure
