Osmosis Flashcards
Definition of osmosis
Diffusion of water molecules from a region of high concentration to low concentration through a partially permeable membrane
What is isotonic
When two solutions have the same concentrations
What is hypertonic
The solution that is more concentrated
What is hypotonic
The solution that is more dilute
What will happen to an animal cell surrounded by a hypotonic solution
Animals surrounded by a hypotonic solution will swell and possibly burst because water moves in by osmosis
What will happen to an animal cell placed in a hypertonic solution
Water moves out of the cells and they shrink
What is turgor pressure (in plant cells)
When no more water can enter a cell due to the pressure inside
Process of a plant cell swelling
Water moves into cell by osmosis → vacuole swells → cytoplasm pressed against cell wall → cell becomes rigid → stem and leaf become rigid
What happens when plant cells are put in a hypertonic solution?
A lot of water leaves the cell. Vacuole and cytoplasm shrink, then membrane pulls away from cell wall. This is referred to a plasmolysis.
