Movement Of Substances Flashcards
Define diffusion
Diffusion is the net movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration down a concentration gradient.
Diffusion plays a crucial role in nutrient uptake and gas exchange in both plants and humans.
What is the role of diffusion in nutrient uptake and gas exchange?
Diffusion facilitates the movement of nutrients and gases across membranes, ensuring that cells receive necessary substances and eliminate waste.
In plants, this process occurs in roots and leaves, while in humans, it occurs in the lungs and cells.
How does an increase in surface area-to-volume ratio affect diffusion?
An increase in surface area-to-volume ratio results in an increase in the rate of diffusion or absorption of substances.
This is particularly important in cells, where a higher ratio allows for more efficient exchange of materials.
What is concentration in the context of diffusion?
Concentration is the amount of substance in a fixed volume.
It is a key factor in determining the rate and direction of diffusion.
What is a concentration gradient?
A concentration gradient is the difference in concentration between two regions.
Particles naturally move down their concentration gradient.
What do all particles have a natural tendency to do?
All particles have a natural tendency to move down their concentration gradient and become evenly spaced out over time.
This tendency drives the process of diffusion.
What is a permeable membrane?
A permeable membrane allows particles of all sizes to pass through freely.
This property is essential for the diffusion of substances across cell membranes.
True or False: Both red and blue ink particles can pass through a permeable membrane.
True
This illustrates how diffusion occurs across a permeable membrane.
What is the process of diffusion in the human respiratory system?
Diffusion of oxygen from the alveoli to red blood cells and diffusion of carbon dioxide from the blood to the alveoli
What is the process of diffusion in plants?
Entry of oxygen from spaces in the soil into root hair cells and removal of carbon dioxide from root hair cells
What is the role of diffusion in the digestive system?
Absorption of digested food from the small intestine to blood capillaries
What is the significance of the surface area-to-volume ratio in cells?
As volume increases, surface area does not increase proportionately, decreasing the ratio and the rate of diffusion
How does the surface area-to-volume ratio affect metabolic activities in cells?
Larger cells cannot diffuse substances in and out quickly enough to support metabolic activities
Calculate the surface area-to-volume ratio for a cube with a side length of 1 cm.
6:1
Calculate the surface area-to-volume ratio for a cube with a side length of 3 cm.
2:1
What factor affects the rate of diffusion based on concentration?
The steeper the concentration gradient, the faster the rate of diffusion
How does the surface area-to-volume ratio influence diffusion?
The larger the surface area-to-volume ratio, the greater the area for substances to pass through, increasing the rate of diffusion
What is the relationship between diffusion distance and the rate of diffusion?
The shorter the diffusion distance, the faster the rate of diffusion
What adaptations do transport cells have to increase their efficiency?
Modified shapes with a high surface area-to-volume ratio
Name a type of cell that has a long protrusion to increase surface area.
Microvilli
What shape modification is seen in red blood cells to enhance their function?
Flattened and biconcave shape
True or False: A high surface area-to-volume ratio increases the efficiency of diffusion.
True
What is osmosis?
The net movement of water molecules from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential through a partially permeable membrane.
Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules in the liquid state.
What is the effect of osmosis on plant and animal tissues?
Osmosis affects the turgor pressure in plant cells and can lead to cell shrinkage or swelling in animal cells depending on the surrounding solution.
Turgor pressure is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of plant cells.