when the concentration of molecules is equal on either side of a surface what is the term used to describe this biological event? And what effect does it have on diffusion?
2006-09-06 07:35:46 · 9 answers · asked by Grace B 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
Diffusion/osmosis only occurs when there is a relative difference in concentration between two sides of a membrane. If the concentration on either side is equal, the system is said to be in equilibrium, and effectively no diffusion will occur, unless some external force is applied (in reality, some molecules will wander from one side to the other, but it will go in both directions, and on average the concentrations will stay the same)
This is the simple example; in cellular biology, you learn of intra-membrane proteins that actually ferry more of a selected molecule (e.g. glucose) across the cell membrane even against an osmotic pressure in the other direction, but it takes additional energy to make this happen.
2006-09-06 07:45:31 · answer #1 · answered by theyuks 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the concentration of molecules on each side of a semi permeable membrane the chemical potential is equal and diffusion stops. Diffusion occurs across a membrane from high to low concentration when the concentration is equal passive transport no longer occurs. (However active transport which is where there is a specific pump for a molecule can still occur but this uses energy in the form of ATP -usually there are also examples using other ions to drive the pump.) When a solution contains the same chemical potential it is said to be isotonic. Hypotonic is when there is a lower concentration of solutes than within the cell, and hypertonic is when there is a greater concentration of solutes in the solution than within a cell cytoplasm.
Look up diffusion and osmosis on wikipedia for more information.
2006-09-06 07:58:25 · answer #2 · answered by Ellie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i know if there a trem for is but diffusion only happens from an area of high concentration to an aren of low concentration so when ther are the same diffusion does not happen
2006-09-06 07:37:42 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One example of diffusion is when your body has to regulate the sodium content in the cells. For example, if the salt/saline levels are too high in your cells, your body will move liquid from the interstitial fluid into your cells to lower the salinity. That movement of water into the cell is called diffusion.
2016-03-27 00:26:49 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a state of equilibrium - diffusion is not possible as ther is equal potential for diffusion on both sides
2006-09-06 07:47:16 · answer #5 · answered by bigbowlofsalad 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did this years ago. Is it not some sort of stasis or equilibrium? And is there no osmosis or diffusion when equilibrium has been achieved? I don't know. Do you have a text book?
2006-09-06 07:39:00 · answer #6 · answered by arwen4838 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Osmosis has occured if the concentration is equal on both sides.
2006-09-08 09:58:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is called an 'isotonic' situation. it effectively stops diffusion taking place.
2006-09-06 21:49:17 · answer #8 · answered by sparkle_rain_fairy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look it up in wikipedia.org, best research page on the web.
2006-09-06 07:41:36 · answer #9 · answered by Andrew G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋