Diffusion and Osmosis Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on diffusion, osmosis, cellular transport, and energy within cells.

What are diffusion and osmosis categorized as?

Both are passive processes that do not require energy other than that possessed by the molecules themselves.

What are solutes?

Solids known to dissolve in a liquid.

What is the most common solvent in living cells?

Water.

What occurs during diffusion?

Solvent and solute particles move to equalize concentrations without a semipermeable membrane.

What is the primary distinction between osmosis and diffusion?

In osmosis, only solvent particles move through a semipermeable membrane, while solute particles do not move.

What is meant by 'simple diffusion'?

Substances move along a concentration gradient and across the cell membrane.

What molecules assist in facilitated diffusion?

Special transport molecules embedded in the membrane.

What is ATP and what is its role in cells?

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) holds energy inside a cell; it breaks down into ADP (di-phosphate) to release energy.

How does the rate of osmosis change according to concentration?

The rate of osmosis changes with the difference in concentration of water relative to a solute on either side of a semi-permeable membrane.

What does dialysis tubing simulate?

The dialysis membrane serves as a simulation of a cell membrane because it is also semi-permeable.