Untitled Flashcards Set

Osmosis

The diffusion of a solvent, such as water, through a selectively permeable membrane.

Aquaporins (AQPS)

Water-specific channels formed by transmembrane proteins that allow single-file diffusion of water molecules.

Edema

The abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissues, leading to swelling.

Osmolarity

The total concentration of all solute particles in a solution.

Tonicity

The ability of a solution to change the shape or plasma membrane tension of cells by altering their internal water volume.

Hydrostatic pressure

The back pressure exerted by water against the cell wall.

Osmotic pressure

The tendency of water to move into a cell by osmosis.

Selective permeability

The property of cell membranes that allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others.

Net diffusion

The overall movement of water and solute down their concentration gradients until equilibrium is reached.

Nonpenetrating solutes

Solutes that cannot diffuse through the plasma membrane and affect water movement.