Straighterline Anatomy and Physiology 1 Lab BIO201L Lab 4 Diffusion and Osmosis Worksheet 2023
1. Compare and contrast diffusion and osmosis. Diffusion and osmosis are two processes involved in the movement of substances across cell membranes. Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules or ions from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, while osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane. Diffusion can occur for various types of particles, while osmosis is exclusively related to the movement of water. Both processes rely on concentration gradients, but osmosis is specifically influenced by solute concentration gradients. 2. What is the water potential of an open beaker containing pure water? zero 3. Why don’t red blood cells swell or shrink in blood? Red blood cells do not swell or shrink in blood due to their unique structure and the osmotic properties of the blood plasma. Red blood cells contain a semipermeable membrane that allows water molecules to freely pass through, but restricts the movement of solutes. The blood plasma, which surrounds the red blood cells, maintains an isotonic environment, meaning it has the same solute concentration as the interior of the red blood cells. This balanced osmotic environment prevents water from entering or leaving the red blood cells in significant amounts. As a result, the red blood cells maintain their shape and size without swelling or shrinking.
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straighterline anatomy and physiology 1 lab bio201
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