Osmosis

Question 1

Osmosis definition

Answer 1

Diffusion of water

Net movement of water molecules from a region of high water potential to a region of low water potential through a partially permeable membrane

Question 2

What determines the net movement of water…

Answer 2

Differences in water potential between 2 solutions connected by a partially-permeable membrane

Question 3

Water potential?

Answer 3

Tendency of water molecules in a system to move

Denoted by symbol and measured in kPa

Question 4

Movement of water

Answer 4

Water molecules always move from a region go high water potential to an area of low water potential

Question 5

Water potential calculation

Answer 5

Solute potential + pressure potential

Question 6

Hypotonic solution

Answer 6

• Hypo = low solute conc
• Water moves into the cell from high to low water potential via osmosis
• Cell becomes cytolysed

Question 7

Isotonic solution

Answer 7

• Equal movement of water in and out of the cell

- Cell stays normal

Question 8

Hypertonic solution

Answer 8

• Hyper = high solute conc
• Water moves out of the cell from a high to a low water potential by osmosis
• Cell becomes crenated/plasmolyzed