Diffusion continues to occur until there is an equal concentration of particles on both sides of a semi-permeable membrane.

True or False?

Choice A rationale: The solute concentration of the cytoplasm inside the cell is correct because tonicity is a measure of how the solution affects the movement of water across the cell membrane by osmosis. Osmosis is the process by which water moves from a region of high water concentration to a region of low water concentration. The water concentration of a solution is determined by the solute concentration of the solution. The higher the solute concentration, the lower the water concentration, and vice versa. Therefore, tonicity compares the solute concentration of the solution outside the cell to the solute concentration of the cytoplasm inside the cell.

Choice B rationale: The permeability of the cell membrane is incorrect because permeability is a property of the cell membrane that determines how easily molecules can pass through it, not a measure of tonicity. The cell membrane is selectively permeable, meaning that it allows some molecules to cross, but not others. The cell membrane is permeable to water, but not to most solutes.

Choice C rationale: The swelling of the cell is incorrect because swelling is a result of tonicity, not a measure of it. Swelling occurs when a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, which has a higher concentration of water and lower concentration of solute than the cell. In a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell and out of the solution by osmosis, causing the cell to swell.

Choice D rationale: The number of cell fragments inside the cell is incorrect because cell fragments are pieces of broken cells that have no relation to tonicity. Cell fragments can be produced by mechanical damage, apoptosis, or necrosis, but they do not affect the solute concentration of the cytoplasm or the solution.

Choice E rationale: The presence of a cell wall is incorrect because the cell wall is a structure that surrounds the cell membrane in some cells, such as plant cells, but it does not affect tonicity. The cell wall is made of cellulose, a polysaccharide that is resistant to water. The cell wall provides mechanical support and prevents the cell from bursting in a hypotonic solution, but it does not change the solute concentration of the cytoplasm or the solution.

Choice A rationale: The rate of diffusion is the speed at which particles move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. This depends on the temperature, the size of the particles, and the medium they are in. Temperature affects the kinetic energy and the speed of the particles, which in turn affects the frequency and intensity of their collisions. Higher temperatures mean higher kinetic energy and faster particles, which leads to faster diffusion. ³

Choice B rationale: The change in rate of diffusion is not unaffected by temperature. Temperature is one of the main factors that influences the rate of diffusion, as explained above. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C rationale: Diffusion does not halt when temperature is increased. On the contrary, diffusion becomes faster when temperature is increased, as explained above. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D rationale: The change in rate of diffusion is not unpredictable when temperature is increased. There is a clear relationship between temperature and diffusion, as explained above. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice E rationale: The rate of diffusion does not decrease when temperature is increased. On the contrary, diffusion becomes faster when temperature is increased, as explained above. Therefore, this choice is incorrect..