Diffusion Flashcards
Diffusion
Net movement of molecules or ions from a region of high concentration to lower concentration
Until dynamic equilibrium reached
Is diffusion a passive or active process?
Passive
Does not require any metabolic energy (energy from ATP)
What is meant by net flow?
Overall flow
Molecules of both water and glucose will move in both directions
In which direction is the net flow of glucose?
Right to left
In which direction is the net flow of water?
Left to right
When will this net flow stop?
Dynamic equilibrium is reached
If the exchange surface is relatively thick what will happen to the diffusion rate?
Greater the distance the slower the rate of diffusion
As the area increases what will happen to the diffusion rate?
High the surface area the faster the rate of diffusion
Why should a molecule that is soluble in lipids be able to get through A selectively permeable membrane more quickly?
Lipid soluble molecules can pass between the phospholipids in the membrane
Why should a small molecule be able to enter a cell faster than a large one?
Small molecules can pass through pores more easily than larger molecules
Ficks law
Diffusion rate (proportional to) surface area x concentration gradient divided by diffusion difference
