LEC 13-14 Flashcards
Osmosis
The diffusion of water molecules across a selective (semipermeable) barrier from high concentration to low concentration
Selective (semi permeable) barrier
Allows water molecules to pass through, but not most of the molecules dissolved in water
What is an example of a selective barrier?
Plasma membrane
Solutes
Molecules dissolved in water
How is the concentration of water determined?
By the concentration of solutes (dissolved) in water
Solute Potential
A measure of the concentration of solutes dissolved in water
What is the solute potential of pure water?
0 (pure water has no solutes)
What is the highest value of solute potential?
0
When is the water concentration the highest?
When solute potential is equal to zero
How does adding solutes affect solute potential and water concentration?
Lowers solute potential and water concentration
What does the water follow?
Water follows the solute
What is relationship between solute potential and water concentration?
Directly related; As solute potential increases so does water concentration
What is the relationship between solute potential and solute concentration?
Indirectly related; As solute potential increases, solute concentration decreases
What is the relationship between solute concentration and water concentration?
Indirectly related; As solute concentration increases, water concentration decreases
How does water move?
Water moves from areas of higher solute potential to areas of lower solute potential
Why is it important that plasma membranes are semi permeable membranes?
Cells depend on the regulated diffusion of water molecules across the plasma membrane to stay alive
Isotonic
If solute potential is equal inside and outside the cell (water is entering and leaving the cell in equal amounts)
Hypotonic
If solute potential is higher outside the cell than inside
What are the consequences of a hypotonic solution?
Water will diffuse into the cell causing it to swell and possible burst
Hypertonic
If solute potential is higher inside the cell than outside
What are the consequences of a hypertonic solution?
Water diffuses outside out of cell causing it to shrink and cell could dehydrate and die
Brain Capillaries
Fine blood vessels that feed brain tissues
Capillary Wall Cells (CWCs)
Form walls of tube