Diffusion/Osmosis Study Guide

Flashcards covering key concepts related to diffusion and osmosis, including definitions, experiments, and related terms.

Homeostasis

The body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Active transport

The energy requiring process by which cells move molecules or ions across their membranes against their concentration gradient.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

Osmosis

Passive movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration.

Selectively permeable membrane

A barrier that allows certain substances to pass through while preventing others.

Concentration gradient

The difference in concentration of a substance between two areas, influencing the rate of diffusion.

Isotonic solution

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

Hypertonic solution

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

Hypotonic solution

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

Dialysis bag experiment

An experiment demonstrating selective permeability where glucose and iodine diffused through the bag while starch did not.