Zoology Lab Report

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Osmosis Claudia Flores Zoology Lab 2011.16 Anthony Banks October 1, 2015 Introduction Diffusion literally means spreading and that is what the process entails (Tortora and Derrickson 2014). An example of diffusion in the body is the movement of glucose to cells (Diffusion, osmosis and active transport 2012). Diffusion is a process in which molecules randomly mix because of kinetic energy. Both the solute and the solvent can undergo diffusion. When there is an area of higher concentration and an area of lower concentration the molecules diffuse towards the latter in order to reach equilibrium. When there is a great difference between the sides of the membrane the rate of diffusion is higher than if there was a lesser difference…show more content…
Hydrophobic, nonpolar molecules use simple diffusion to move through the lipid bilayer. Examples of molecules that utilize simple diffusion are oxygen, nitrogen gases, carbon dioxide, steroids, and fat soluble vitamins. Simple diffusion is useful because it helps the body absorb nutrients and excrete waste. Simple diffusion is also helpful in the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood and the body cells (Tortora and Derrickson 2014). Facilitated diffusion is how very highly charged and polar molecules move through the lipid bilayer. During this process the molecules move with the help of proteins, which can either be a membrane channel or a carrier (Tortora and Derrickson…show more content…
Osmosis is a form of diffusion thru a selectively permeable membrane. Osmosis is a passive form of movement. Most generally the solvent involved with osmosis is water. Water is the universal solvent meaning that most anything dissolves in water. During osmosis, water moves from an area of high concentration to one of lower concentration; this happens so that the cells can reach equilibrium or homeostasis. Water molecules pass through the plasma membrane by moving through phospholipid molecules located in the lipid bilayer and by aquaporins which are proteins that act as water channels. In order for osmosis to occur the membrane needs to be permeable to water (Tortora and Derrickson 2014). An example of osmosis in the body is in the kidneys. An environmental impact that affects the body through diffusion is emphysema. Emphysema is a disease in which the alveoli are damaged, and one cannot fully catch a breath. The leading cause is smoking. When the walls of the alveoli rupture it creates a large space which lessens the area and the amount of oxygen that the body receives (Mayo Clinic Staff 2014). Diffusion is apart of emphysema because it reduces the surface area of the lung resulting in a slower rate of diffusion and makes breathing much harder on people (Tortora and Derrickson
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