Diffusion and Osmosis

Flashcards covering key concepts related to diffusion and osmosis.

Selectively permeable membrane

A membrane that only allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others.

Diffusion

The passive movement of solutes across a cell membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis

the movement of water molecules from a region of higher water concentration (lower solute concentration) to a region of lower water concentration (higher solute concentration) through a selectively permeable membrane

Aquaporins

Channels that facilitate the regulated movement of water across cell membranes.

Osmolarity

The concentration of solute particles in a solution that influences the movement of water.

Concentration gradient

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

Passive movement

Movement that does not require energy, occurring naturally due to concentration differences.

Solute

The substance dissolved in a solution, affecting the movement of water during osmosis.

Semi-permeable membrane

A barrier that allows specific molecules or ions to pass while restricting others.

Solute concentration

The amount of solute present in a given volume of solvent, affecting osmotic movement.