Cell Bio - Osmosis

Question 1

Define Osmosis

Answer 1

Movement of water molecules from a higher water concentration to a lower water concentration DOWN the concentration gradient

Question 2

Describe what happens when plant cells are in a solution with a higher water conc. than their contents

Answer 2

They gain water by osmosis and become turgid

Question 3

Describe what happens when plant cells are in a solution with a lower water conc. than their contents?

Answer 3

They lose water by osmosis and become plasmolysed

Question 4

• Define the term “turgid”
• Define the term “plasmolysed/plasmolysis”

Answer 4

• The swollen state resulting from the plant cell being filled with water.
• Plant cells lose water through osmosis, causing the cell membrane to shrink away from the cell wall.

Question 5

Explain why the plant cell does not burst when water enters the cell

Answer 5

Because of rigid cell wall, provides structural support and prevents excessive swelling.

Question 6

Define the term
“water concentration”

Answer 6

Proportion of a solution that is water.