diffusion

• What is diffusion important for in living organisms?

  It's how substances get in and out of cells
• What is the basic definition of diffusion?

  Movement of particles from high to low concentration
• What is the fancy definition of diffusion?

  Spreading out of particles from high to low concentration
• In which states of matter does diffusion occur?

  In both solutions and gases
• What is an example of diffusion in gases?

  The smell of perfume diffusing through a room
• What affects the rate of diffusion?

  The concentration gradient and temperature
• How does temperature affect diffusion rate?

  Higher temperature increases particle movement speed
• What is the role of cell membranes in diffusion?

  They hold the cell together and allow substance movement
• What types of molecules can diffuse through cell membranes?

  Very small molecules like oxygen and glucose
• Why can't big molecules like starch and proteins diffuse through cell membranes?

  They can't fit through the membrane
• How do particles move through the cell membrane?

  From higher concentration to lower concentration
• What happens to particles when there are more on one side of the membrane?

  There is a net movement from that side
• How does the surface area of the membrane affect diffusion rate?

  Larger surface area increases diffusion rate
• What can really tiny particles do regarding cell membranes?

  They can go through cell membranes
• What happens when a drop of ink is added to cold water?

  • The ink will gradually spread out
  • This occurs due to diffusion
• How does the observation differ if ink is added to warm water?

  • The ink will spread out faster
  • Higher temperature increases diffusion rate