Diffusion & Osmosis

Question 1

Diffusion

Answer 1

Is a physical process of the net movement of molecules (solutes) from a higher to lower concentration until equilibrium is achieved & they are distributed equally

Question 2

Solvent

Answer 2

Fluid that dissolves solutes

eg. Water

Question 3

Solute

Answer 3

Substance that is dissolved in a solvent, forming a solution

Question 4

Concentration Gradient

Answer 4

Gradual change in chemical concentration from one point to another
-can distinguish high from low

Question 5

Diffusion Factors

Answer 5

• temperature
• pressure
• electrical currents
• molecular size

Question 6

Osmosis

Answer 6

Diffusion of water through a differentially permeable membrane

Question 7

Osmotic Pressure

Answer 7

The pressure that develops in a system due to osmosis

-measured with osmometer

Question 8

Isotonic Solution

Answer 8

• iso: ‘the same’, tonic: refers to osmotic pressure/tension of the solution
• solute & water concentration are equal both inside & outside the cell
• no net gain/loss of water

Question 9

Hypotonic Solution

Answer 9

• hypo: ‘less than’ (solute than water)
• lower concentration of solute / higher water concentration of solution outside the cell
• can cause cell to swell or burst

Question 10

Cytolysis

Answer 10

Disruption or bursting of the cell

-can be in response to osmosis in hypotonic solution

Question 11

Turgor Pressure

Answer 11

PC- pressure of cell contents against the cell wall when the central vacuole is full
-lends strength & rigidity this way to plant cells = stalks

Question 12

Hypertonic Solution

Answer 12

• hyper: ‘more than’ (water than solute)
• higher concentration of solute / lower water con. outside of the cell
• can cause cell to shrink

Question 13

Crenation

Answer 13

The shriveling of an AC in a hypertonic solution due to osmosis

Question 14

Plasmolysis

Answer 14

PC- contraction of the cell contents away from cell wall due to loss of water in the central vacuole
-wilted plants