osmosis

• What is the definition of osmosis?

  Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration across a semi-permeable membrane.
• What type of transport is osmosis classified as?

  Osmosis is classified as passive transport.
• What type of molecules does osmosis involve?

  Osmosis involves water molecules.
• What is a concentration gradient?

  A concentration gradient refers to the difference in the concentration of a substance between two areas.
• In osmosis, which direction does water move in relation to the concentration gradient?

  Water moves from high concentration to low concentration along the concentration gradient.
• How does the steepness of a concentration gradient affect the rate of osmosis?

  The steeper the gradient, the faster the rate of osmosis.
• What is the role of semi-permeable membranes in osmosis?

  Semi-permeable membranes allow some substances to pass through while blocking others.
• What types of molecules can pass through a semi-permeable membrane?

  Small molecules like water can pass through a semi-permeable membrane.
• What analogy is used to explain the function of a semi-permeable membrane?

  A semi-permeable membrane is compared to a colander that allows water to pass through but blocks larger items.
• What are the three types of solutions described in relation to osmosis?

  The three types of solutions are hypotonic, hypertonic, and isotonic.
• What does hypotonic mean in terms of solute concentration?

  Hypotonic means lower solute concentration (higher water concentration).
• What does hypertonic mean in terms of solute concentration?

  Hypertonic means higher solute concentration (lower water concentration).
• What does isotonic mean in terms of solute concentration?

  Isotonic means equal solute concentration on both sides.
• If a red blood cell is placed in pure water, how would you classify the solution outside the cell?

  The solution outside the cell would be considered hypotonic.
• What are the key points of osmosis?

  • Involves water molecules
  • Moves from high to low concentration
  • Occurs across a semi-permeable membrane
  • Is a passive process (no energy required)