N5S3 - Osmosis - 1.4

Question 1

Define Osmosis

Answer 1

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from a higher water concentration to a lower water concentration DOWN the concentration gradient

Question 2

State the result of plant cells when they are in a solution with a higher water conc. than their contents

Answer 2

The plant cells will gain water by osmosis and become turgid

Question 3

State what will happen to plant cells when they are placed in a solution with a lower water conc. than their contents?

Answer 3

The plant cells will lose water by osmosis and become plasmolysed

Question 4

Define the term “turgid”

Answer 4

The term turgid refers to a swollen and firm state resulting from the plant cell being filled with water.

Question 5

Define the term “plasmolysed/plasmolysis”

Answer 5

Plasmolysis is when plant cells lose water through osmosis, causing the cell membrane to shrink away from the cell wall.

Question 6

Explain why the plant cell does not burst when water enters the cell

Answer 6

They don’t burst because of the rigid cell wall that surrounds them. The cell wall provides structural support and prevents excessive swelling.

Question 7

What factor determines the water concentration?

Answer 7

The proportion of water to solute

Question 8

Define the term
“water concentration”

Answer 8

The water concentration is the proportion of a solution that is water.