Osmosis-Key Words Flashcards
Memorize these key words and definitions.
Semi-Permeable membrane
A membrane(e.g. the cell(plasma) membrane ) that acts as a barrier to most, but not all molecules and ions.
Diffusion
The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until the concentration is equal.
Concentration Gradient
A measure of how the concentration of a solute changes from one place to another.
Active Transport
When particles are transported against the concentration gradient. Energy (ATP) is required to actively transport the particles.
Passive Transport
Transport of particles across cell membranes without the use of energy(ATP) as they are moving down the concentration gradient.
Flaccid
A cell that has lost water by osmosis and becomes soft/not firm. The cell has low turgor pressure.
Hypertonic
A solution with a higher concentration of solutes when compared to another solution.
Isotonic
2 solutions with the same concentration solutes.
Lysis
When animal cells gain water by osmosis, swell and burst( the cell is said to be lysed)
Osmoregulation
Process of how organisms maintain their internal water concentrations.
Osmosis.
The movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of high(water) concentration to an area of lower(water) concentration.
Plasmolysis
Process where the cell looses so much water that the vacuole shrinks and the cell membrane may dethatch from the cell wall.
Solute
Substances that dissolve in a liquid to form a solution e.g. salt or sugar.
Turgid
A cell that has gained water by osmosis and becomes firm. It has high turgor pressure.
Turgor Pressure
The force within the cell that pushes the cell membrane against the cell wall in plants. Increases as plant cells gain water by osmosis.
