Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of diffusion?

Accepted Answer

The movement of solute particles from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration.

Question 2

A red blood cell is placed in a hypotonic solution. What will most likely happen to the cell, and why?

Accepted Answer

It will swell and possibly burst because water moves into the cell by osmosis.

Question 3

Which of the following equations best represents Fick's Law of Diffusion?

Accepted Answer

$$ J = -D \frac{dC}{dx} $$

Question 4

A dialysis bag containing a 10% sucrose solution is placed in a beaker of pure water. Which direction will water move, and what is the driving force?

Accepted Answer

Water will move into the bag due to osmosis, driven by the concentration gradient of solute.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about selectively permeable membranes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They allow certain molecules to pass through while restricting others based on size or polarity.

Question 6

If a cell is placed in a solution where the concentration of solute is higher outside the cell than inside, what type of solution is this, and what will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

It is a hypertonic solution; the cell will lose water and shrink.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why osmosis is considered a special case of diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis involves the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane, while diffusion can involve any type of molecule.

Question 8

A patient receives an intravenous (IV) solution that is hypotonic relative to their blood plasma. What is the most likely physiological effect?

Accepted Answer

Red blood cells may swell and burst due to water entering the cells by osmosis.

Question 9

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of equilibrium in diffusion?

Accepted Answer

Solute particles are evenly distributed on both sides of a membrane, and there is no net movement.

Question 10

A cell membrane is permeable to water but not to solute X. If the concentration of solute X is higher outside the cell, what will happen?

Accepted Answer

Water will move out of the cell to balance the solute concentrations.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects the rate of diffusion across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

The color of the solute particles.

Question 12

A plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The cell will lose water and undergo plasmolysis.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the direction of water movement during osmosis?

Accepted Answer

From an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Question 14

A laboratory experiment involves placing a semi-permeable membrane between two solutions: Solution A (0.9% NaCl) and Solution B (0.1% NaCl). Which way will water move?

Accepted Answer

From Solution B to Solution A, because Solution A has a higher solute concentration.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of diffusion in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen moving from the alveoli into the blood in the lungs.

Question 16

A cell is placed in an isotonic solution. What will happen to the cell's volume?

Accepted Answer

It will remain the same because there is no net movement of water.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why a selectively permeable membrane is important for osmosis?

Accepted Answer

It allows water to pass while restricting solute movement, enabling water to balance solute concentrations.

Question 18

A patient with severe dehydration is given an IV of isotonic saline. Why is this preferable to pure water?

Accepted Answer

Isotonic saline prevents red blood cells from swelling or shrinking by maintaining osmotic balance.

Diffusion and Osmosis: Principles and Applications in Anatomy & Physiology

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