Bio1-Diffusion

• What is the main function of cell membranes?

  They hold the cell together and regulate the movement of substances in and out.
• What happens to particles during diffusion?

  Particles spread out from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration.
• How does temperature affect the rate of diffusion?

  Higher temperatures increase the diffusion rate because particles move faster.
• What is the relationship between concentration gradient and diffusion rate?

  A greater concentration gradient results in a faster diffusion rate.
• What types of molecules can diffuse through cell membranes?

  • Very small molecules (e.g., oxygen, glucose, amino acids, water)
  • Larger molecules (e.g., starch, proteins) cannot diffuse through
• What is diffusion?


  Diffusion is the spreading out of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
• What happens when a drop of ink is added to cold water?

  The ink will gradually spread out and diffuse throughout the water.
• How would the observation differ if the ink was added to warm water?

  The ink would spread out more quickly in warm water due to increased particle movement.
• What factors affect the rate of diffusion?

  • Concentration gradient: Greater difference speeds up diffusion
  • Temperature: Higher temperatures increase particle movement
  • Surface area: Larger surface area allows more particles to pass through
• What is the role of cell membranes in relation to molecules?

  Cell membranes allow certain substances to enter and exit the cell while blocking others.
• Why is diffusion important for cells?

  Diffusion allows cells to obtain necessary substances and remove waste products.
• How does the random movement of particles affect diffusion?

  Random movement leads to a net movement from areas of high concentration to low concentration.