BIO 101: Lab 8 - Diffusion and Osmosis

diffusion

Movement of solute molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

dialysis tubing

Plastic-like cellulose tubing with tiny holes to allow small molecules to pass through (semi-permeable).

concentration gradient

difference in the concentration of a substance from one location to another

selectively permeable

a property of cell membranes that allows some substances to pass through, while others cannot

solute

A substance that is dissolved in a solution.

solvent

A liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances

osmosis

Diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane

isotonic

when the concentration of two solutions is the same

hypertonic

when comparing two solutions, the solution with the greater concentration of solutes

hypotonic

when comparing two solutions, the solution with the lesser concentration of solutes

turgor pressure (turgid)

The pressure placed onto the cell wall as a result of water in the cell

plasmolysis

This happens when a cell shrinks inside its cell wall while the cell wall remains intact.

cytolysis

This happens when a cell (other than a red blood cell) swells until pressure bursts it, resulting in cell death.

hemolysis

the rupture or destruction of red blood cells.

crenation

This happens when a cell shrinks and shrivels; can result in cell death if severe.

flaccid

plant cells in isotonic solutions (not full of water but not really shriveled up either)