cell membrane + osmosis

Question 1

what is osmosis

Answer 1

the diffusion of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane, from an area of higher water potential to an area of lower water potential

Question 2

what is water potential

Answer 2

water potential is the potential of water molecules to diffuse out of or into a solution

pure water has the highest water potential

if solutions have the same water potential, they’re said to be isotonic

Question 3

factors that affect the rate of osmosis

Answer 3

the water potential gradient - the higher the water potential gradient, the faster the rate of osmosis - as osmosis takes place, the difference in water potential on either side of the membrane decreases, so the rate of osmosis levels off over time

thickness of the exchange surface - the thinner the exchange surface, the faster the rate of osmosis

the surface area of the exchange surface - the larger the surface area, the faster the rate of osmosis