Diffusion and Osmosis Lab

These flashcards cover key concepts related to diffusion, osmosis, tonicity, and transport mechanisms in the context of a Biology Lab.

What is diffusion in the context of passive transport?

Diffusion is the random movement of molecules from regions of greater concentration to regions of lesser concentration until equilibrium is reached.

What is the primary function of the plasma membrane?

The plasma membrane regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell and is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer.

Define osmosis.

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane.

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

In a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst (cytolysis).

What is a hypertonic solution?

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solute compared to the inside of the cell, leading to water leaving the cell and causing it to shrivel (crenation).

What is an isotonic solution?

An isotonic solution has an equal concentration of solute inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

What are the two main categories of transport mechanisms across the plasma membrane?

The two main categories are passive transport and active transport.

What is active transport?

Active transport requires cellular energy (ATP) to move substances against their concentration gradient.

what is passive transport?

Passive transport is the movement of substances across the plasma membrane without the use of cellular energy, occurring along their concentration gradient.

Describe endocytosis.

Endocytosis is the process by which the cell membrane engulfs substances to bring them into the cell, forming a vesicle.

What is exocytosis?

Exocytosis is the process where vesicles containing macromolecules fuse with the plasma membrane to release their contents outside the cell.

facilitated diffusion

Facilitated diffusion is a passive transport process in which molecules move across the cell membrane through protein channels, along their concentration gradient, without the need for energy.

filtration

the process of separating solids from liquids by adding a medium through which only the liquid can pass.

solution

A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, usually consisting of a solvent and solute, where the solute is dissolved in the solvent.

solvent