Diffusion & Osmosis: Their Importance and Effects on Cells

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to diffusion, osmosis, and their effects on cells.

Diffusion

The movement of particles down a concentration gradient from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential.

Selective Permeability

A property of cell membranes that allows some substances to pass through while preventing others.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution that has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing cells to lose water.

Isotonic Solution

A solution that has the same concentration of solutes as another solution, resulting in no net movement of water.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution that has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing cells to gain water.

Plasmolysis

The process where cells lose water in a hypertonic solution and shrink against the cell wall.

Turgor Pressure

The pressure exerted by fluid inside the cell against the cell wall, helping maintain the cell's shape.

Osmolarity

The measure of solute concentration per unit solution volume, affecting cell behavior in different solutions.

Osmotically Active Substance

A substance that causes osmosis due to its inability to cross a selectively permeable membrane.