Osmosis Flashcards
What is transpiration?
Transpiration is the process of evaporation of water from mesophyll cells in leaves, followed by diffusion through airspaces and stomata
How does surface area affect transpiration?
A larger surface area increases the rate of transpiration because more water can evaporate from the leaf surface.
What role does wind play in transpiration?
Wind increases transpiration rates by removing the moisture-heavy air around the stomata, allowing for more water vapor to diffuse out of the leaf.
How does temperature influence transpiration?
Higher temperatures increase the rate of transpiration as they enhance water evaporation from leaf surfaces.
What is the effect of humidity on transpiration?
Higher humidity levels decrease the rate of transpiration because the concentration gradient between the inside of the leaf and the outside air is reduced.
How does light intensity affect transpiration?
Increased light intensity stimulates stomatal opening, which can lead to higher rates of transpiration due to increased photosynthesis and water vapor loss.
What are the main uses of water in plants?
Plants use water for support, transport of nutrients, transpiration, and photosynthesis.
What is osmosis?
Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules from a dilute solution to a more concentrated solution through a selectively permeable membrane
How does osmosis affect plant cells?
Osmosis can cause plant cells to become turgid when water enters the cell, or plasmolysed when water exits the cell.
What happens to a plant cell when it becomes turgid?
When a plant cell becomes turgid, it swells and exerts pressure against the cell wall, providing structural support to the plant.
What is plasmolysis in plant cells?
Plasmolysis occurs when water leaves the plant cell, causing the cell membrane to pull away from the cell wall, resulting in a shriveled appearance.
What role does the cell wall play in osmosis?
The cell wall limits the entry of water
How does a selectively permeable membrane function in osmosis?
A selectively permeable membrane allows water molecules to pass through while restricting the movement of solutes, facilitating the process of osmosis.
What structural changes occur in turgid plant cells?
In turgid plant cells, the cell membrane pushes against the rigid cell wall, resulting in a firm and swollen appearance that provides structural support.
What happens to the cell wall during turgidity?
The cell wall remains intact but provides resistance against the pressure exerted by the swollen cell membrane, helping maintain cell shape.