1.4 Diffusion

Question 0

What is diffusion?

Answer 0

The spreading out of the particles of a gas, or of any substance in solution

Question 1

Why do molecules in gases and liquids move around randomly?

Answer 1

Because of the energy they have

Question 2

What does the net movement into or out of cells depend on?

Answer 2

The concentration of the particles on each side of the cell membrane

Question 3

What is the difference in concentration between two areas called?

Answer 3

The concentration gradient

Question 4

The larger the difference in concentration…

Answer 4

…the faster the rate of diffusion

Question 5

Three examples of diffusion:

Answer 5

1. The diffusion of oxygen into the cells of the body from the bloodstream as the cells are respiring (and using up oxygen)
2. The diffusion of carbon dioxide into actively photosynthesising plant cells
3. The diffusion of simple sugars and amino acids from the gut through cell membranes

Question 6

What is net movement?

Answer 6

The overall movement

Question 7

what are amino acids?

Answer 7

They are the building blocks of protein