Diffusion, active transport & osmosis

1. State three factors which will affect the rate of diffusion:

 Concentration, temperature and properties of the solvent.

2. Describe the difference between a dilute and a concentrated solution: 

 A dilute solution can be turned to a concentrated solution by

adding more solvent, while a concentrated solution can be diluted
by adding more solvent.

3. Write a definition for each of the following terms:

a. Diffusion: The net movement of particles from a region of higher

concentration to a region of lower concentration or down a
concentration gradient, until the concentration at both regions is
the same. 

b. Osmosis: The movement of water molecules from a region of

higher water concentration to a region of lower water
concentration through a partially permeable membrane. 

c. Active Transport: The movement of particles from a region of

lower concentration to a region of higher concentration or against
a concentration gradient, with the use of energy.

4. Draw lines to connect the correct term with the definition: 

5. Describe how active transport differs from both osmosis and
diffusion:

Diffusion is the movement of particles from a high to lower

concentration. Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a
membrane. Active transport moves particles from low to higher
concentration.

6. State the difference between diffusion and osmosis:

Osmosis can only function in a liquid medium, but diffusion can occur in all
three mediums (solid, liquid and gas). Furthermore, osmosis requires a
semi-permeable membrane, while diffusion does not.

7. Explain fully why active transport is so important to plants

Active transport in the root hairs of plants allows plants to absorb mineral
ions, which are necessary for healthy growth. In active transport,
substances move from high to low concentration. Plants absorb mineral
salts by moving ions into the root hairs, where they are in higher
concentration. This process requires energy from respiration.