Amber Rosales
Marco Avalos
Lab Section 2011. 21
1 October 2015
Diffusion and Osmosis
There are many processes and systems that help maintain our body’s homeostasis and ability to function. These processes can be traced right down to a cellular level. However, if a process at this level were to be disrupted, it can create a ripple affect that can target major life functions or cause a long-term illness. It is processes such as Osmosis and Diffusion that contribute to our state of being and without them our biological functions would be thrown into disarray. Diffusion is the passive process that allows molecules to transport across membranes. The molecules within a higher concentration will move toward an area with a lower concentration. Diffusion …show more content…
Also, it allows for cells to gain oxygen for the body. If this process were to be disturbed it would affect many other processes, which would affect major systems of the body. Because Diffusion can occur in any state, there are many factors that can affect it. For example, a high temperature can increase the rate of Diffusion and a cold one can delay it. However, eventually the concentration will appear to be equal all over the solution. Another factor that can affect Diffusion is the mass of the substance that is involved. Small masses allow for a faster and easier Diffusion. Larger masses hinder the process of Diffusion and require more time and energy. Various particles move easily and “freely through the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane”. (Tortora and Derrickson 2014) This particular passive process is called Simple Diffusion. Simple Diffusion allow for a substance to “move down its concentration gradient”. (Brown 2011) Other types of process include Channel- Mediated Facilitated Diffusion and Carrier-Mediated Facilited Diffusion. This process is focused on solutes with different charges or polarity. …show more content…
The semi-permeable membrane consists of thin layers, which allow certain molecules to pass through. The molecules that move allow the solute concentrations to reach equilibrium. Typically in living organisms and systems, water is the solvent that moves “toward areas of lower water concentration”. (Tortora and Derrickson 2014) Certain situations must be present in order for Osmosis to occur. For instance, this process occurs if the membrane is permeable to water but “absolutely impermeable to solute”. (Sperelakis 2012) An example within the body that utilizes Osmosis would be within the digestive system, specifically the large intestines. It is in the large intestines where nutrients are absorbed through osmosis. Osmosis and Diffusion coincide with one another to balance the body, however, it can become disrupted by disease or injury. Chronic kidney failure impedes the kidneys ability to function properly and reduce waste from the body. Dialysis is able to mimic the functions of the kidneys in order to keep a person
Marco Avalos
Lab Section 2011. 21
1 October 2015
Diffusion and Osmosis
There are many processes and systems that help maintain our body’s homeostasis and ability to function. These processes can be traced right down to a cellular level. However, if a process at this level were to be disrupted, it can create a ripple affect that can target major life functions or cause a long-term illness. It is processes such as Osmosis and Diffusion that contribute to our state of being and without them our biological functions would be thrown into disarray. Diffusion is the passive process that allows molecules to transport across membranes. The molecules within a higher concentration will move toward an area with a lower concentration. Diffusion …show more content…
Also, it allows for cells to gain oxygen for the body. If this process were to be disturbed it would affect many other processes, which would affect major systems of the body. Because Diffusion can occur in any state, there are many factors that can affect it. For example, a high temperature can increase the rate of Diffusion and a cold one can delay it. However, eventually the concentration will appear to be equal all over the solution. Another factor that can affect Diffusion is the mass of the substance that is involved. Small masses allow for a faster and easier Diffusion. Larger masses hinder the process of Diffusion and require more time and energy. Various particles move easily and “freely through the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane”. (Tortora and Derrickson 2014) This particular passive process is called Simple Diffusion. Simple Diffusion allow for a substance to “move down its concentration gradient”. (Brown 2011) Other types of process include Channel- Mediated Facilitated Diffusion and Carrier-Mediated Facilited Diffusion. This process is focused on solutes with different charges or polarity. …show more content…
The semi-permeable membrane consists of thin layers, which allow certain molecules to pass through. The molecules that move allow the solute concentrations to reach equilibrium. Typically in living organisms and systems, water is the solvent that moves “toward areas of lower water concentration”. (Tortora and Derrickson 2014) Certain situations must be present in order for Osmosis to occur. For instance, this process occurs if the membrane is permeable to water but “absolutely impermeable to solute”. (Sperelakis 2012) An example within the body that utilizes Osmosis would be within the digestive system, specifically the large intestines. It is in the large intestines where nutrients are absorbed through osmosis. Osmosis and Diffusion coincide with one another to balance the body, however, it can become disrupted by disease or injury. Chronic kidney failure impedes the kidneys ability to function properly and reduce waste from the body. Dialysis is able to mimic the functions of the kidneys in order to keep a person