Ins and Outs of Osmosis and Diffusion

Frank the Paramecium

Meet Frank Frank is a Paramecium Parameciums are unicellular (one celled organisms) Paramecium are Protists and are EUKARYOTES

Meet Frank They are found in water environments (typically freshwater) They move using small hair like structures that cover the outside of the cell (part of the cell membrane)

The following questions are based on a one-celled organism called a Paramecium swimming in freshwater. Assume the salt in the Paramecium cannot permeate out or into the cell membrane, but the water can.

If Frank is about 1% solute concentration inside, where is salt more concentrated (remember he is swimming in freshwater)? 0% salt 1% salt

If salt COULD permeate the cell membrane, in which direction would salt move? HIGH TO LOW!

If salt COULD permeate the cell membrane what would the movement of these particles be called?

Where is water more concentrated? 0% salt 1% salt 99% h2o

In which direction will the water molecules move? 99% h2o HIGH TO LOW!

What is the movement of these water particles called? 99% h2o

Will Frank shrink or swell in this environment? 99% h2o

What type of solution is Frank swimming in (hypertonic, hypotonic, isotonic)? 99% h2o

So long as Frank is in a freshwater solution the water will continue to rush in. What type of transport must Frank perform to keep from bursting and dying? 100% h20 99% h2o

If the Paramecium is killed, what is this process called (death of a cell due bursting) Lysed

Franks new fiancé lives in an environment that has a 4% salt concentration. Frank still consists of about 1% salt.

If Frank is about 1% solute concentration inside, where is salt more concentrated (remember he is swimming in 4% salt)? 4% salt 1% salt

In which direction will water molecules move now? 4% salt **Remember, if there is a 4% solute then it is 96% water outside. 1%salt= 99% water inside Water is more concentrated INSIDE, therefore water will rush out (HIGH TO LOW) 1% salt

What type of solution is Frank swimming in (hypertonic, hypotonic, isotonic)? 4% salt 1% salt

Will Frank shrink or swell in his new environment? 4% salt 1% salt

If the Paramecium is killed, what is this process called (death of a cell due to dehydration) Plasmolysis