___and ___ work together to create equilibrium in the cell.
Select one:
O a.Isotonic, hypertonic
O b. Isotonic, diffusion
O C.Diffusion, osmosis
Od. Diffusion, facilitated diffusion
d. Diffusion, facilitated diffusion
c. Diffusion, osmosis
The correct answer is C. Diffusion and osmosis work together to create equilibrium in the cell.
To understand why diffusion and osmosis are the correct answer, let's first define each term:
1. Diffusion: Diffusion is the spontaneous movement of molecules or particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. It is driven by the natural tendency of particles to spread out and achieve a uniform distribution.
2. Osmosis: Osmosis is a specific type of diffusion that involves the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane. It occurs when there is a difference in the concentration of solute (dissolved substances) on either side of the membrane.
In the context of the cell, both diffusion and osmosis play significant roles in maintaining equilibrium:
1. Diffusion: Diffusion allows for the movement of various molecules, such as gases (like oxygen and carbon dioxide) and small, uncharged molecules (like water), across the cell membrane. This movement helps maintain a balance of molecules between the inside and outside of the cell.
2. Osmosis: Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules across the cell membrane. It occurs in response to a difference in solute concentration. When there is a higher concentration of solute outside the cell compared to the inside (hypertonic environment), water molecules will move out of the cell through osmosis. In contrast, when there is a lower solute concentration outside the cell compared to the inside (hypotonic environment), water molecules will move into the cell through osmosis. Osmosis helps maintain proper water balance within the cell.
Therefore, diffusion and osmosis work together to ensure a balance of molecules and water inside and outside the cell, creating equilibrium.