Cambridge IGCSE · Biology 0610

IGCSE Biology: Movement into and out of cells — Practice Questions & Answers

Understand diffusion, osmosis and active transport, the factors that affect them, and why these processes matter to living cells.

759 practice questions available for this topic — here are 10 with full answers and explanations.

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Practice questions with answers

1 Multiple choice · Easy

What is diffusion?

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WhyDiffusion is the net movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration, down a concentration gradient.
2 Multiple choice · Easy

Which process describes the net movement of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane?

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WhyOsmosis is the net movement of water molecules from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential through a partially permeable membrane.
3 Multiple choice · Easy

Active transport requires which of the following?

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WhyActive transport moves substances against a concentration gradient and requires energy from respiration (ATP).
4 Multiple choice · Easy

In which direction do particles move during active transport?

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WhyActive transport moves particles against the concentration gradient, from a lower to a higher concentration.
5 Multiple choice · Easy

Which of these substances moves into cells by diffusion during gas exchange?

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WhyOxygen diffuses from a region of higher concentration outside the cell to a lower concentration inside, down a concentration gradient.
6 Multiple choice · Easy

Osmosis is best described as the movement of water from a region of:

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WhyOsmosis moves water from higher water potential (dilute solution) to lower water potential (concentrated solution) through a partially permeable membrane.
7 Multiple choice · Easy

Which type of membrane is required for osmosis to occur?

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WhyOsmosis requires a partially permeable membrane that allows water molecules through but not larger solute molecules.
8 Multiple choice · Easy

An example of active transport in plants is the uptake of:

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WhyRoot hair cells absorb mineral ions from the soil by active transport, often against a concentration gradient.
9 Multiple choice · Medium

A cell is placed in a solution with a higher water potential than the cell. What happens to the cell?

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WhyWater moves into the cell by osmosis from the higher water potential outside to the lower water potential inside, so the cell gains water.
10 Multiple choice · Medium

Which factor would increase the rate of diffusion of a gas into a cell?

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WhyA steeper concentration gradient increases the rate of diffusion because there is a greater difference in concentration driving net movement.

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Key terms in Movement into and out of cells

Diffusion: The net movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration, down a concentration gradient, as a result of their random movement.
Net movement: The overall movement of particles in one direction once movement in both directions is taken into account.
Concentration gradient: The difference in concentration of a substance between two regions; particles diffuse down it from high to low concentration.
Down a concentration gradient: Movement from a higher concentration to a lower concentration, the natural direction of diffusion and osmosis.
Against a concentration gradient: Movement from a lower concentration to a higher concentration, which requires energy as in active transport.
Passive process: A process that does not require energy from respiration, such as diffusion and osmosis.
Random movement: The continuous, unpredictable motion of particles in liquids and gases that drives diffusion.
Kinetic energy: The energy of moving particles; greater kinetic energy at higher temperatures causes faster diffusion.

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