Unit 1: Osmoregulation

Question 1

Define Osmconformers

Answer 1

organisms which the internal solute concentration adapts the the external environment (conform)

Question 2

Define Osmoregulaters

Answer 2

organisms with special mechanisms (contractile vacuoles) to maintain their internal solute regardless of the external environment (regulate)

Question 3

Describe the process of Osmoregulation

Answer 3

The active regulation of osmotic pressure of an organisms fluids to maintain the homeostasis of the organisms water/ion content

Question 4

How is the water and ion levels maintained through osmoregulation

Answer 4

1. skin by sweating
2. urine produced by the kidneys
3. the lungs when we exhale (water only)

Question 5

How does the contractile vacuole help in osmoregulation?

Answer 5

contractile vacuoles is an organelle in the cytoplasm surrounded by mitochondria. mitochondria provides energy to actively pump water into the contractile vacuole, fuses with the cell membrane and empties the water out of the cell by exocytosis

Question 6

what are the four types of plants, and which is suited to which water environment?

Answer 6

mesophytes - areas where there is sufficient water (a field, a garden)
xerophytes - dry, amid areas (deserts, tundras)
halophytes - adapted to high salt levels (mangroves)
hydrophytes - adapted to aquatic environments (water lily)