Biology Forums - Study Force

I'm working on the following question in preparation for a test: What is osmosis? And explain the effects of the following solutions on bacterial cells: a) pure distilled water (no solutes), b) a high solute solution (e.g. sugar or salts). [/i]

I know the answer to the first question (what is osmosis), but I don't know the answer to the rest of the question.  Thanks in advance for your help.

In the three types of passive transport (diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis), the electrochemical gradient provides the source of energy rather than using the cell’s ATP. Diffusion is the movement of small or lipid soluble molecules down the concentration gradient through the spaces in the cell membrane. Facilitated diffusion occurs when permeases provide a pathway for diffusion of large or electrically charged molecules. Osmosis is specifically the diffusion of water through the membrane.


If no solutes, water will enter the bacteria.

If high solutes, water will move out of the bacteria.