Osmosis

• What is osmosis in biology?


  The diffusion of water molecules from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution through a partially permeable membrane
• How does osmosis occur?


  Osmosis occurs when two solutions are separated by a partially permeable membrane
• In an osmosis experiment, what happens to plant tissue placed in a more dilute solution?


  The plant tissue gains mass as water moves into it
• What is the relationship between the concentration of solutions and the movement of water by osmosis?


  Water moves from a more dilute solution to a more concentrated solution to equalize concentrations
• What is the effect of osmosis on plant tissue when it gains mass?


  Water has moved into the plant tissue from the surrounding solution
• What does it indicate if plant tissue loses mass in an osmosis experiment?


  Water has moved out of the plant tissue into the surrounding solution
• What does it mean if there is no overall change in mass of plant tissue during osmosis?


  There has been no net movement of water as concentrations are equal
• Why is it important to mention osmosis when discussing the movement of water in an exam?

  Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules, which can earn marks
• What type of membrane is involved in osmosis?


  A partially permeable membrane
• How can the effect of osmosis be observed in a laboratory setting?


  By placing plant tissue in solutions of differing concentrations
• What is the significance of identifying which solution is more concentrated in osmosis experiments?


  It helps determine the direction of water movement
• Which plant is commonly used in osmosis experiments?


  Potatoes
• What happens to water molecules during osmosis?


  They move randomly from areas of higher water concentration to lower concentration
• What is the role of water potential gradients in osmosis?


  They help identify the direction of water movement