active transport, osmosis, diffusion

Diffusion

Movement of substances from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, driven by kinetic energy.

Osmosis

The specific diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane from a dilute solution to a more concentrated one.

Active Transport

Movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy from cellular respiration.

Concentration Gradient

The difference in concentration of a substance across a space, driving diffusion.

Water Potential

A measure of the tendency of water to move from one area to another, central to the concept of osmosis.

Nutrient Absorption

The process by which the small intestine of animals takes in essential nutrients such as glucose and amino acids.

Waste Removal

The process by which cells expel waste products like carbon dioxide and urea through diffusion.

Semi-permeable Membrane

A membrane that allows certain molecules to pass while blocking others, crucial for processes like osmosis.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in a cell or organism.

Plant Nutrition

The absorption of minerals and nutrients by plant roots, often through active transport.

Kinetic Energy

The energy possessed by an object due to its motion, driving the process of diffusion.

Metabolic Processes

The chemical reactions that occur within cells to maintain life.

Equilibrium

A state in which the concentration of a substance is equal throughout a space, resulting from diffusion.

Hypotonic Solution

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

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing cells to shrink.