Osmosis

What is osmosis?

The passive movement of water molecules from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration, across a partially permeable membrane.

What is a solute?

The substance that dissolves in a solvent to produce a mixture.

What is a solvent?

The substance that is capable of dissolving one or several substances, creating a solution.

Why is water considered a universal solvent?

Because it can dissolve many different substances.

What is a solution?

The resulting mixture of a solute and solvent.

How do molecules behave in a solution?

Both water and solute molecules move around randomly.

Does osmosis require energy?

No, osmosis takes place naturally and without input of energy.

What are aquaporins?

Specialised integral proteins that function as channels for water to enter or exit the cell.

Why do water molecules have difficulty passing through phospholipid bilayers?

Because of the hydrophobic center of the bilayers.