Diffusion and Osmosis: Processes and Effects on Cells

1. Osmosis Objectives: 1) Explain how the processes of diffusion and osmosis occur and why they are important to cells. 2) Predict the effect of a hypotonic, hypertonic, or isotonic solution on a cell.

2. Diffusion • Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

3. Osmosis: Diffusion of Water • The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane is called osmosis. • Regulating the water flow through the plasma membrane is an important factor in maintaining homeostasis within a cell.

4. Osmosis: Diffusion of Water • Most cells whether in multicellular or unicellular organisms, are subject to osmosis because they are surrounded by water solutions.

5. Cells in an isotonic solution • isotonic solution- • (= concentrations) • the concentration of dissolved substances in the solution is the same as the concentration of dissolved substances inside the cell. H2O H2O Water Molecule Dissolved Molecule

6. Cells in an isotonic solution • water molecules move into and out of the cell at the same rate, and cells retain their normal shape. H2O H2O Water Molecule Dissolved Molecule

7. Cells in a hypotonic solution • hypotonic solution: dilute solution thus low concentration of dissolved substances • In a hypotonic solution, water enters a cell by osmosis, to dilute high concentration of dissolved substances, thus causing the cell to swell. H2O H2O Water Molecule Dissolved Molecule

8. Cells in a hypertonic solution • hypertonic solution: concentratedsolution, thus a highconcentration of dissolved substances In a hypertonic solution, water leaves a cell by osmosis, causing the cell to shrink H2O H2O Water Molecule Dissolved Molecule

9. Summary • Isotonic: Concentrations of solution are equal outside and inside cell. • Hypotonic: Dilute or low concentration of dissolved substances outside the cell. • Hypertonic: High concentration of dissolved substances outside the cell.