Osmosis Flashcards
What is osmosis?
The movement of water molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration across a selectively permeable membrane.
True or False: Osmosis is a passive process.
True
Define hypertonic solution.
A solution with a higher solute concentration compared to another solution.
In which direction does water move in a hypertonic solution?
Out of the cell or area with lower solute concentration.
What happens to a red blood cell in a hypertonic solution?
It shrinks due to water leaving the cell.
In which direction does water move in a hypotonic solution?
Into the cell or area with higher solute concentration.
What happens to a red blood cell in a hypotonic solution?
It swells and may burst due to water entering the cell.
Define isotonic solution.
A solution with the same solute concentration as another solution.
In an isotonic solution, does water move into or out of the cell?
There is no net movement of water.
What is turgor pressure?
The pressure exerted by the cell contents against the cell wall in plant cells.
How does turgor pressure help plants?
It helps maintain the rigidity and structure of the plant.
What is plasmolysis?
The process where a cell loses water in a hypertonic solution causing the cell membrane to pull away from the cell wall.
What is deplasmolysis?
The process where a cell gains water in a hypotonic solution causing the cell membrane to move back towards the cell wall.
What is reverse osmosis?
A process where pressure is applied to a more concentrated solution forcing water to move from the concentrated side to the dilute side.
What is the purpose of reverse osmosis in water treatment?
To remove impurities and contaminants from water.
What is a semipermeable membrane?
A membrane that allows certain molecules or ions to pass through while blocking others.
How does temperature affect the rate of osmosis?
Higher temperatures generally increase the rate of osmosis due to increased kinetic energy of molecules.
What is the driving force behind osmosis?
The difference in solute concentration on either side of the membrane.
What is the purpose of osmosis in living organisms?
To maintain proper water balance and facilitate the transport of nutrients and waste products.
What is the role of aquaporins in osmosis?
Aquaporins are membrane proteins that facilitate the transport of water across the cell membrane.
What is the difference between osmosis and diffusion?
Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules, while diffusion involves the movement of any type of molecule.
What is the significance of osmosis in plant cells?
Osmosis helps maintain cell turgidity and support various cellular functions in plant cells.
How does osmosis impact the growth of plant roots?
Osmosis allows water uptake in plant roots, facilitating growth and nutrient absorption.
