Cell Specialization Flashcards
What is diffusion?
This is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration down a concentration gradient.
Examples of diffusion
1) In humans, in the lungs, oxygen is diffused across the alveoli into the blood capillaries.
2) In plant leaves, carbon dioxide is diffused from the air into the leaves.
What is osmosis?
This is the movement of water molecules from a higher concentration to a lower concentration through a selectively permeable membrane.
Types of osmosis
Isotonic, hypertonic, hypotonic
What is a isotonic solution?
This is where the solution has the same concentration as the cell.
What is a hypertonic solution?
This is where the solution has more solute than the cell.
What is a hypotonic solution?
This is where the solution has more solvent than the cell.
Define turgid
This is where a plant cell becomes full of water.
Define flaccid
This is where a plant cell loses water and it begins to wilt.
Define plasmolysed
This is where a plant cell loses a lot of water and the cell membrane and it’s contents pull away from the cell wall. The plant will die.
What would happen if an animal cell is placed into a isotonic solution?
The cell will remain the same.
What would happen if an animal cell is placed into a hypertonic solution?
Water will leave the cell through osmosis and the cell will shrink.
What would happen if an animal cell is placed into a hypotonic solution?
Water will enter the cell by osmosis and it will swell and eventually burst.
What would happen if a plant cell is placed into a isotonic solution?
The cell will remain the same.
What would happen if a plant cell is placed into a isotonic solution?
The cell will remain the same.
