Cellular Processes: Understanding Brownian Motion, Concentration, and Diffusion
1. What is Brownian motion and what causes it?
A. Random movement of small particles due to collisions with fluid molecules.
Answer:
Brownian motion is the random movement of small particles caused by collisions with fluid molecules.
Brownian motion refers to the random, unpredictable movement of small particles in a fluid. It is caused by the constant collision of the particles with the molecules of the fluid. The motion is named after the scientist Robert Brown, who first observed it in 1827.
2. What is the definition of concentration?
A. Amount of a substance in a given space.
Answer:
Concentration refers to the amount of a substance in a given space.
In biology, concentration refers to the amount of a substance present in a given volume or area. It can be measured as the number of molecules or particles per unit volume. For example, the concentration of a chemical in a solution can be expressed as moles per liter (M).
3. What is a concentration gradient?
A. Gradual change in concentration across an area.
Answer:
A concentration gradient is a gradual change in concentration across an area.
A concentration gradient is the gradual change in concentration of a substance across a space or medium. It occurs when there is a difference in the concentration of the substance between two points. For example, in a solution, a concentration gradient exists when there is a higher concentration of a solute in one area compared to another.
4. What is diffusion?
A. Movement of particles from high to low concentration.
Answer:
Diffusion is the movement of particles from high to low concentration.
Diffusion is the process by which particles or molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. This movement is driven by the random motion of particles and occurs until equilibrium is reached, where the concentration is uniform throughout the system. Diffusion plays a crucial role in various biological processes, such as the exchange of gases in the lungs and the movement of nutrients into cells.