Chp 2 Flashcards
What is diffusion?
Diffusion is the net movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.
This process occurs down a concentration gradient.
What is the direction of movement of particles during diffusion?
Particles move from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.
This is also referred to as moving down a concentration gradient.
Fill in the blank: Molecules diffuse down a _______.
concentration gradient
What is osmosis?
Osmosis is the net movement of water molecules from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential through a partially permeable membrane.
What is water potential?
Water potential is a measure of the tendency of water molecules to move from one place to another.
How does a dilute solution compare to a concentrated solution in terms of water potential?
A dilute solution has a higher water potential than a concentrated solution.
What happens to a plant cell in distilled water?
Water molecules enter the plant cell by osmosis, causing it to expand and become turgid.
What is the water potential of a 1% salt solution in relation to plant cells?
It has the same water potential as the cell sap in the vacuole, resulting in no net movement of water molecules.
What occurs to a plant cell in a 10% salt solution?
Water molecules leave the plant cell by osmosis, causing it to become flaccid and then plasmolysed.
What happens to an animal cell in distilled water?
Water molecules enter the animal cell by osmosis, causing it to expand and burst.
What is the water potential of a 1% salt solution in relation to animal cells?
It has the same water potential as the cytoplasm in the cell, resulting in no net movement of water molecules.
What occurs to an animal cell in a 10% salt solution?
Water molecules leave the animal cell by osmosis, causing it to shrink and become crenated.
