B2.1 Flashcards
(63 cards)
What is diffusion?
Net movement of particles from high to low concentration.
Is diffusion passive or active?
Passive – no energy required.
Which small molecules move by diffusion?
Oxygen, glucose, amino acids, water.
Can large molecules like starch diffuse?
No – too big to pass through membranes.
Why can single-celled organisms rely on diffusion?
Large surface area to volume ratio; low metabolic demand.
Why can’t multicellular organisms rely on diffusion alone?
Small surface area to volume ratio; need specialised systems.
Examples of adapted exchange surfaces in multicellular organisms?
Alveoli (lungs), villi (small intestine), root hair cells (plants).
How does concentration gradient affect diffusion rate?
Greater gradient = faster diffusion.
How does temperature affect diffusion rate?
Higher temperature - more kinetic energy = faster diffusion.
How does surface area affect diffusion rate?
Larger surface area - more room for diffusion = faster diffusion.
What is osmosis?
Movement of water from dilute to concentrated solution through a partially permeable membrane.
Is osmosis passive or active?
Passive – no energy required.
What is a dilute solution in terms of water potential?
High water potential.
What is a concentrated solution in terms of water potential?
Low water potential.
What happens when external and internal solutions are equal?
No net movement – isotonic.
What happens if external solution is more concentrated?
Water moves out – hypertonic.
What happens if external solution is more dilute?
Water moves in – hypotonic.
Effect of hypotonic solution on animal cells?
Water enters; cell may burst.
Effect of hypertonic solution on animal cells?
Water leaves; cell shrivels.
Effect of hypotonic solution on plant cells?
Water enters; cell becomes turgid.
Effect of hypertonic solution on plant cells?
Water leaves; cell becomes plasmolysed.
What is active transport?
Movement of particles from low to high concentration using energy.
Is active transport passive or active?
Active – requires energy from respiration.
Example of active transport in plants?
Root hair cells absorbing mineral ions from soil.