Osmosis Flashcards
1
Q
Osmosis
A
The passage of water from a region where it has a higher water potential to a region where it has a lower water potential through a selectively permeable membrane.
2
Q
Solutions and water potential
A
water potential= Ψ (Psi)
Addition of a solute to water will lower the water potential.
Water potential is always less than 0
More solute that is added, the more negative the water potential.
3
Q
Osmosis and animal cells
A
If too much water is drawn into the cell, the membrane will break
eg: red blood cells (haemolysis)
To prevent this cell are in a fluid with the same water potential as the cell.
If water is drawn out, cell becomes crenated/crenation
