The Cell And It's Environment Flashcards
What are the types of solutions?
• Hypertonic solution
• Isotonic solution
• Hypotonic solution
What happens if a Red Blood Cell (RBC) is placed in a Hypertonic solution?
In a hypertonic solution, there is a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside. If an RBC is placed in a hypertonic solution, water will move out of the cell, causing it to shrink (crenation).
What happens if a Red Blood Cell (RBC) is placed in a hypotonic solution?
In a hypotonic solution, there is a higher concentration of water outside the cell than inside. If an RBC is placed in a hypotonic solution, water will move into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst (hemolysis).
What happens if a Red Blood Cell (RBC) is placed in an isotonic solution?
In an isotonic solution, the concentration of solutes is the same inside and outside the cell. If an RBC is placed in an isotonic solution, there will be no net movement of water, and the cell will maintain its shape.
What is facilitated diffusion?
Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport in which molecules move across the cell membrane with the help of transport proteins, down their concentration gradient, without the use of energy.
What is passive transport?
Passive transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane down their concentration gradient, without the expenditure of energy by the cell.
What is turgidity?
Turgidity is the state of a plant cell when it is fully hydrated and firm due to the pressure exerted by the water inside the cell against the cell wall.
What is flaccidity?
Flaccidity is the state of a plant cell when it loses water and becomes limp, causing the cell to shrink away from the cell wall.
What is the cell environment?
The cell environment refers to the surroundings in which a cell exists, including the extracellular fluid, neighboring cells, and the external environment.
What is the importance of the cell environment?
The cell environment influences
•cell function
•growth, and
•survival by providing necessary nutrients, signaling molecules, and physical support for cellular activities.
What is the importance of diffusion and osmosis?
Diffusion and osmosis are essential processes for maintaining cellular homeostasis by allowing the movement of molecules and water across cell membranes to equalize concentrations and regulate cell volume.
What is haemolysis?
Haemolysis is the bursting of red blood cells (RBCs) due to the entry of too much water into the cell, usually caused by exposure to a hypotonic solution.
What is plasmolysis?
Plasmolysis is the shrinking of the cytoplasm away from the cell wall of a plant cell due to water loss, typically occurring when the cell is placed in a hypertonic solution.
What are factors that affect the rate of diffusion?
Factors affecting the rate of diffusion include temperature, concentration gradient, surface area, and the permeability of the membrane.
What is the difference between osmosis and diffusion?
Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, while osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane.
