osmosis

• What is the definition of osmosis?


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


  Osmosis is classified as passive transport.
• 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 needed)
• What does the term concentration gradient refer to?


  Concentration gradient refers to the difference in concentration of a substance between two areas.
• How does the steepness of a concentration gradient affect the rate of osmosis?


  The steeper the gradient, the faster the rate of osmosis.
• How can concentration gradients be explained using a simple analogy?


  • Imagine two rooms with different numbers of people.
  • Water moves from the crowded room (high concentration) to the less crowded room (low concentration).
• What role do semi-permeable membranes play in osmosis?


  Semi-permeable membranes allow water molecules to pass through while blocking larger molecules.
• What is an example of a semi-permeable membrane?


  Cell membranes are an example of semi-permeable membranes.
• In osmosis, what happens when a plant cell is placed in pure water?


  Water moves into the cell because the cell has a lower water concentration.
• What is the direction of water movement in osmosis?


  Water moves from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration.
• What is a hypotonic solution?


  A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution.
• What is a hypertonic solution?


  A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution.
• What happens to a red blood cell in a hypertonic solution?


  Water moves out of the red blood cell, causing it to shrink.
• What are some everyday examples of osmosis?


  1. Plant absorption of water through roots
  2. Food preservation using salt or sugar
  3. Kidney dialysis
  4. Function of soft contact lenses
  5. Wilting of vegetables
• Why do fingers become wrinkled after a long bath?

  Water moves into your skin cells through osmosis, causing them to swell.
• What is the effect of osmosis on cucumber slices placed in vinegar?


  Water moves out of the cucumber cells into the vinegar, making them crisp.
• Concentration Gradient


  A measure of the difference in concentration of a substance between two areas.
• What is the difference in concentration between two areas called?

  Concentration Gradient
• What drives the movement of a substance?

  The Concentration Gradient between two areas.