Section Objectives

Explain how the processes of

diffusion, passive transport, and
active transport occur and why they
are important to cells.
Predict the effect of a hypotonic,
hypertonic, or isotonic solution on a
cell.
 Osmosis: Diffusion of Water

Diffusion is the movement of particles

from an area of higher concentration to an
area of lower concentration.
In a cell, water always moves to reach an
equal concentration on both sides of the
membrane.
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.
What controls osmosis?

Unequal
distribution of Before
After

particles, called Osmosis

Osmosis

a concentration
gradient, is one
factor that
controls
osmosis.
Selectively
permeable Water molecule

membrane Sugar molecule

 Osmosis: Diffusion of Water

Most cells whether in multicellular or

unicellular organisms, are subject to
osmosis because they are surrounded by
water solutions.
 Cells in an isotonic solution

isotonic solution-
(= concentrations)
the concentration of H2 O
H2 O
dissolved substances
in the solution is the
same as the
concentration of
dissolved substances
inside the cell.
Water Molecule
Dissolved Molecule
 Cells in an isotonic solution

water molecules move

into and out of the cell
at the same rate, and
H 2O cells retain their
H2 O normal shape.

Water
Molecule
Dissolved
Molecule
Cells in an isotonic solution

A plant cell has its

normal shape and
pressure in an isotonic
solution.
 Cells in a hypotonic solution

hypotonic solution:
dilute solution thus low
solute concentration
In a hypotonic H2O
solution, water enters H2O
a cell by osmosis,
causing the cell to
swell.

Water
Molecule
Dissolved
Molecule
Cells in a hypotonic solution

Plant cells swell

beyond their normal
size as pressure
increases. (plants
prefer this –it makes
the leaves firm)
 Cells in a hypertonic solution

hypertonic solution:
concentrated solution,
thus a high solute
concentration
H2O
In a hypertonic solution, H2O
water leaves a cell by
osmosis, causing the
cell to shrink
Water
Molecule
Dissolved
Molecule
 Cells in a hypertonic solution

Plant cells lose

pressure as the plasma
membrane shrinks
away from the cell
wall. PLASMOLYSIS
 Passive Transport

When a cell uses no energy to move particles

across a membrane passive transport occurs
Particles go DOWN their concentration gradient.
Diffusion & osmosis are passive transport.

Plasma Concentration gradient

membrane
 Passive Transport by proteins

Passive transport of materials across the

membrane using transport proteins is called
facilitated diffusion.

Channel
proteins
Plasma
membra Concentrati
ne on gradient
Passive Transport by proteins

Some transport proteins, called channel proteins,

form channels that allow specific molecules to
flow through.
 Active Transport

active transport :Movement of materials through

a membrane against a concentration gradient
and requires energy from the cell.
Cellular energy

Carrier
proteins
Plasma
membrane Concentration
gradient
Cellular
energy
 How active transport occurs

a transport protein called a carrier protein first

binds with a particle of the substance to be
transported.
Each type of carrier protein has a shape that fits
a specific molecule or ion.
 Transport of Large Particles

Endocytosis is a process by which a cell surrounds and takes in

material from its environment.
The material is engulfed and enclosed by a portion of the cell’s
plasma membrane.
resulting vacuole with its contents moves to the inside of the cell
Exocytosis is the expulsion or secretion of materials from a cell.

Endocytosis
Exocytose