Osmosis

• What is osmosis?

  Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane.
• How does osmosis differ from general diffusion?

  Osmosis specifically involves the movement of water molecules.
• What is a partially permeable membrane?

  A partially permeable membrane allows only tiny molecules, like water, to pass through.
• What happens to water molecules in osmosis?

  Water molecules move from a region of higher water concentration to a region of lower water concentration.
• Why is there a net flow of water into the region with lower water concentration?

  Because water molecules are more likely to hit the membrane on one side than the other.
• What is the purpose of osmosis in terms of concentration?

  Osmosis aims to even up the concentrations on either side of the membrane.
• What does water potential indicate?

  Water potential indicates the likelihood of water molecules to diffuse into or out of a solution.
• What does a high water potential mean for a solution?

  A high water potential means a high concentration of water molecules.
• How does osmosis relate to water potential?

  Osmosis is the diffusion of water from an area of higher water potential to an area of lower water potential.
• What happens to plant cells when they are watered?

  They draw water in by osmosis until they become turgid.
• What is turgor pressure?

  Turgor pressure is the pressure of the cell contents against the cell wall in turgid cells.
• What happens to a plant if there is no water in the soil?

  The plant starts to wilt as its cells become flaccid and lose water.
• Why do animal cells react differently to osmosis compared to plant cells?

  Animal cells lack cell walls, making them more susceptible to bursting in hypotonic solutions.
• Why is drinking seawater harmful?

  The high salt content causes water to move out of cells, leading to cell shrinkage and death.
• What happens to cells when they are surrounded by a solution with a higher water potential?

  Cells can burst due to excess water entering them.
• What are the key points about osmosis and its effects on plant and animal cells?

  • Osmosis is the movement of water across a partially permeable membrane.
  • Plant cells become turgid when watered, providing support.
  • Lack of water causes plant cells to become flaccid and wilt.
  • Animal cells can burst in hypotonic solutions due to lack of cell walls.
  • Drinking seawater leads to cell shrinkage due to high salt concentration.
• What would happen to a piece of carrot placed in a solution of lower water potential?

  The carrot would lose water and become flaccid.
• What is the effect of turgor pressure on plant tissues?

  Turgor pressure helps support the plant tissues.
• What is the relationship between osmosis and concentration gradients?

  Osmosis occurs along the concentration gradient from higher to lower water concentration.
• How does the structure of plant cells contribute to their ability to withstand osmotic pressure?

  Plant cells have rigid cell walls that provide support against turgor pressure.
• What is the consequence of osmosis for cells in a hypertonic solution?

  Cells will lose water and shrink in a hypertonic solution.
• What is the significance of understanding osmosis in biological systems?

  Understanding osmosis is crucial for comprehending how cells maintain their shape and function.