Osmosis Flashcards
What is Osmosis?
Diffusion of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane from a high concentration to a low concentration
What is Water potential?
The potential or likelihood of water molecules to diffuse out of or into a solution
What happens to the animal cell when placed in a Hypotonic solution?
The cell swells up and bursts as the cell membrane is not strong enough to withstand the pressure so they become Lysed
What happens to the plant cell when placed in a Hypotonic solution?
The cell swells up but it doesn’t burst as the cell wall protects them, the vacuoles expand and they become Turgid
What happens to the plant cell when placed in a Isotonic solution?
The cell becomes Flaccid
What happens to the animal cell when placed in a Isotonic solution?
No net movement of water
What happens to the animal cell when placed in a Hypertonic solution?
The cell will Shrivel as they lose water from the cytoplasm
What happens to the plant cell when placed in a Hypertonic solution?
The cell is protected from shrinking but their vacuoles shrink, the cell membrane pulls away which leads to the cell becoming Plasmolysed
What are the factors affecting Osmosis?
Water Potential Gradient, Membrane Thickness and Surface Area
What is the relationship of Water Potential Gradient?
The higher the water potential gradient, the faster the rate of Osmosis
What is the relationship of Membrane Thickness?
The thinner the membrane, the faster the rate of Osmosis
What is the relationship of Surface Area?
The larger the surface area, the faster the rate of Osmosis
