3.10.W - Lesson: Osmosis - BIOLOGY

Solution

A liquid that contains dissolved materials such as ions and molecules

Solutions

A solution is a liquid that contains dissolved materials such as ions and molecules. The liquid, typically water, is called the solvent. The dissolved materials within the solvent are called the solutes. Water is unique in that it can dissolve a vast number of different substances. It is called the "universal solvent" because of its ability to dissolve more substances than any other liquid, making it a critical component of the systems of living organisms. Molecules of water can move in and out of the cell through osmosis, a form of passive transport which does not require energy. The direction of their movement depends on the cell's surrounding environment. Water molecules will continue to move in order to reach equilibrium (state of balance). This is achieved when the solute concentration is the same on either side of the cell membrane. -If the amounts of solute are already equivalent between the inside and the outside of the cell membrane, the solution is considered isotonic. -There is no net movement of water, in other words, water does not move in one direction more than another. -If a solution outside of the cell contains a high concentration of water and a lower concentration of solutes than the inside of the cell, the solution is considered hypotonic (hypo- meaning "under"). There is net movement of water from the solution into the cell. -If a solution outside of the cell contains a low concentration of water and a higher concentration of solutes than the inside of the cell, the solution is considered hypertonic (hyper- meaning "over"). There is net movement of water from the inside of the cell to the outside of the cell (water leaves the cell).

Hypertonic Solution

A solution that contains a higher concentration of solutes than the inside of the cell. aka low water concentration

Hypotonic

A solution that contains a lower concentration of solutes than the inside of the cell. aka high water concentration -the less solutes, thus less water grabbing on the solutes. also, flows to the hypertonic side

Hypotonic Solution

A solution that has a high concentration of water and a lower concentration of solutes when compared to another

Hypertonic Solution

A solution that has a low concentration of water and a higher concentration of solutes when compared to another

Isotonic Solution

A solution that has equivalent amounts of solute when compared to another

Solute

Dissolved materials within a solvent

Isotonic

The amounts of solute on the inside and the outside of the cell are equivalent. -flowing back and forth at a equal rate

Solvent

The liquid in which a solute is dissolved, forming a solution