Ins and Outs of Osmosis and Diffusion

Frank the Paramecium

Meet Frank

• Frank is a Paramecium

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• Parameciums are unicellular (one celled organisms)

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• Paramecium are Protists and are EUKARYOTES

Meet Frank

• They are found in water environments (typically freshwater)

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• They move using small hair like structures that cover the outside of the cell (part of the cell membrane)

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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)?

1% salt

0% salt

• If salt COULD permeate the cell membrane, in which direction would salt move?

1% salt

0% salt

HIGH TO LOW!

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

1% salt

0% salt

• Where is water more concentrated?

1% salt

0% salt

99% h2o

100% h20

• In which direction will the water molecules move?

99% h2o

100% h20

HIGH TO LOW!

• What is the movement of these water particles called?

99% h2o

100% h20

• Will Frank shrink or swell in this environment?

99% h2o

100% h20

• What type of solution is Frank swimming in (hypertonic, hypotonic, isotonic)?

99% h2o

100% h20

• 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?

99% h2o

100% h20

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

• 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)?

1% salt

4% salt

• In which direction will water molecules move now?

1% salt

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)

• What type of solution is Frank swimming in (hypertonic, hypotonic, isotonic)?

1% salt

4% salt

• Will Frank shrink or swell in his new environment?

1% salt

4% salt

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