Question

visual reading tools: passive transport
diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. osmosis is the diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane. study the beakers at the right. note changes in water levels and solute particles.

1. for both scenarios, label each of the solutions on each side of the membrane as either hypertonic, hypotonic, or isotonic.
2. which of the two scenarios can cause cells to burst when they are placed in a hypotonic solution?

Explanation:

1. In osmosis, water moves from an area of high water - concentration (low solute - concentration) to an area of low water - concentration (high solute - concentration) across a selectively permeable membrane. If the water level on one side of the membrane is higher and the solute particles are more concentrated on the other side, the side with more solute particles is hypertonic relative to the other side, and the side with less solute particles is hypotonic. If the solute concentrations are equal on both sides, the solutions are isotonic.
2. Cells burst in a hypotonic solution because there is a higher concentration of water outside the cell compared to inside. Water moves into the cell by osmosis, increasing the osmotic pressure inside the cell until it swells and bursts.

Answer:

1. For the beaker scenarios: If the water level is higher on one side and solute particles are more concentrated on the other side, the side with more solute particles is hypertonic and the side with less solute particles is hypotonic. If solute concentrations are equal on both sides, the solutions are isotonic.
2. Hypotonic solution causes cells to burst.