Biology Essentials - Osmosis

Question 1

What is Osmosis?

Answer 1

The movement of water from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution through a semi-permeable membrane

Question 2

What is a partially permeable memebrane?

Answer 2

A emembrane that only allows some molecules to pass through

Question 3

How is osmosis relevant to Cells in a high water concentration?

Answer 3

A cells cytoplasm contains low water concentrations so in a high concentration, the water will move into the cell from high to low

Question 4

How is osmosis relevant to Cells in a very low water concentration?

Answer 4

A cells cytoplasm has a low water concentration, but in a lower concentration, the water will move out of the cell from high to low

Question 5

How does a plant cell react differently to osmosis when in high water concentrations?

Answer 5

Water will enter the cell, but the cell walls will prevent over expansion and bursting. The cell instead becomes swollen

Question 6

What is the difference between diffusion and osmosis in terms of the medium?

Answer 6

Osmosis requires water, whilst diffusion occurs in liquids, solid and gas

Question 7

What is the difference between diffusion and osmosis in terms of the membrane?

Answer 7

Osmosis requires a semi permeable membrane, whilst diffusion does not

Question 8

What is the difference between diffusion and osmosis in terms of an equilibrium?

Answer 8

Only solvent particles can move during osmosis so the solvent is not equal on both sides, whilst each side is equal during diffusion