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Osmosis: Test Your Understanding
Teacher's Guide
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1. Describe the diffusion of a solvent during osmosis.
During osmosis, a solvent diffuses from the solution that is dilute in solute to the solution that
is concentrated.
2. State the relationship between molar concentration (molarity) and temperature in osmotic pressure.
Osmotic pressure is directly related to the molar concentration of the solution (mol/L) and the
temperature of the solution.
3. Where does osmosis take place in living organisms?
The cellular membranes of living organisms act as selectively permeable membranes and allow
osmosis to occur between the interior and exterior environment of the cell.
4. What is one application of reverse osmosis?
Sample answer: Reverse osmosis can be used in water purification to remove ions and other particles
and molecules from water.
5. Critical Thinking: Describe what would happen to a mammalian cell if placed in a glass of pure water.
Because the mammalian cell membrane allows osmosis to occur between the interior and exterior of
the cell, when placed in an environment of pure water (solution with lower solute concentration), the
water (the solvent) would move to inside of the cell via osmosis. This would eventually lead to swelling
and rupture of the cell.
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