1 Look at the diagram of sugar molecules in the small intestine.

a The concentration of a solution is the amount of solute dissolved in a particular amount of solvent.
Are the sugar molecules in higher concentration inside the small intestine or inside the cells? Explain
your answer.
The glucose molecules in the intestine might be in a higher concentration than in the intestinal
cells and blood
b In which direction would the sugar molecules in this diagram diffuse? Explain your answer?
Glucose tends to move from an area of high concentration to an area of low
concentration
c Which transport process could the cells use to absorb sugar molecules from inside the small intestine in
the situation shown in the diagram? Explain your answer.
Active transport
d The absorption of molecules in a situation like the one shown in the diagram is an active process.
Explain what this means.
Molecules move against the concentration gradient and require chemical energy
S1 A small number of sugar molecules are in your small intestine. Describe how they will
be absorbed into cells in the small intestine and why they need to be absorbed in this way.

2 The mass of a slice of potato is measured as 28 g. The slice is then placed into a beaker of distilled water.
After 20 minutes, the slice is taken out of the water and blotted dry with a paper towel. Its new mass is 35 g.
a Which transport process has caused the potato slice to increase in mass: diffusion, osmosis or active
transport?
Osmosis
b Explain as fully as you can why the potato slice increased in mass.
The water passes through the potato cell membrane (a partially permeable membrane) into the
potato, making it increase in mass
c Calculate the percentage gain in mass of the potato slice, using the formula:

= 25%

(Note: if the calculated value is positive, this shows percentage gain.)

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