Study notes

Movement of Substances

How particles and water move into, out of, and across cells: diffusion, osmosis, and active transport, kept clearly distinct from one another.

What this topic covers

  • Diffusion: any particle, moving down its own gradient, no energy
  • Diffusion moves useful substances in and waste out
  • Osmosis is specifically about WATER, across a partially permeable membrane
  • Osmosis in plant cells: turgid, flaccid, or plasmolysed
  • Osmosis in animal cells: lysis or crenation, no wall to resist
  • Active transport moves particles AGAINST the gradient, and needs energy
  • Root hair cells use active transport to take up mineral ions
  • Villus cells use active transport to finish absorbing glucose

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