[B] Osmosis Flashcards
What is osmosis?
The movement of water molecules from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration through a semipermeable membrane.
True or False: Osmosis only involves the movement of solute molecules.
False
Fill in the blank: Osmosis is a type of __________ transport.
passive
What is a semipermeable membrane?
A membrane that allows certain molecules to pass through but not others.
In the context of osmosis, what does ‘hypertonic’ mean?
A solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution.
What happens to a cell placed in a hypotonic solution?
It swells and may burst due to the influx of water.
True or False: Osmosis requires energy input.
False
What is the main factor that drives osmosis?
The concentration gradient of water and solutes.
What is the purpose of practical experiments in studying osmosis?
To observe and measure the effects of osmosis in real-time.
Which type of cells are commonly used in osmosis experiments?
Plant cells, such as potato cells.
Fill in the blank: When a cell is in an isotonic solution, there is __________ water movement.
no net
What does ‘isotonic’ mean?
A solution with the same concentration of solutes as another solution.
In an osmosis experiment, what variable is often changed?
The concentration of the solute in the surrounding solution.
What is the expected outcome when plant cells are placed in a hypertonic solution?
The cells will lose water and become plasmolyzed.
True or False: Osmosis can occur in both living and non-living systems.
True
What is the role of water potential in osmosis?
It determines the direction of water movement.
What measurement can indicate osmosis in plant cells?
Changes in mass or volume of the cells.
Which scientific method is essential for conducting osmosis experiments?
Controlled experimentation.
What equipment is typically used to demonstrate osmosis?
Dialysis tubing or potato cores.
What do you observe when potato cells are placed in distilled water?
The cells become turgid due to water uptake.
In osmosis, what does ‘solute’ refer to?
A substance that is dissolved in a solution.
What is the significance of osmosis in biological systems?
It regulates cell turgor pressure and nutrient uptake.
What is one common mistake to avoid in osmosis experiments?
Not controlling temperature or time.
What type of data is collected in osmosis experiments?
Quantitative data, such as mass changes.
True or False: Osmosis is only relevant to plant biology.
False
What does ‘plasmolysis’ refer to?
The process where cells lose water and shrink away from the cell wall.
What can be inferred if a cell’s mass decreases during an osmosis experiment?
The cell is in a hypertonic solution.
What is the relationship between solute concentration and osmotic pressure?
Higher solute concentration increases osmotic pressure.
Fill in the blank: The __________ of a solution affects the rate of osmosis.
temperature
What type of graph is often used to represent the results of osmosis experiments?
Line graph or bar graph.
What is the main conclusion one can draw from osmosis experiments?
Osmosis is influenced by solute concentration and membrane permeability.
