key term - Solution

Definition

A solution is a homogeneous mixture formed when a solute is dissolved in a solvent. The solute can be a solid, liquid, or gas, and the solvent is usually a liquid, most commonly water. In the context of biological systems, solutions are crucial because they facilitate biochemical reactions and transport nutrients and waste products within organisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Solutions can be classified into various types based on the nature of the solute and solvent, such as aqueous solutions (where water is the solvent) and saline solutions (where salt is the solute).
2. In biology, water serves as a universal solvent, meaning it can dissolve many substances necessary for life, enabling chemical reactions to occur in cells.
3. The process of dissolving involves breaking ionic or molecular bonds in the solute, which allows it to disperse uniformly throughout the solvent.
4. Biological processes such as osmosis and diffusion rely on solutions to move substances across cell membranes, impacting cellular function and homeostasis.
5. Temperature and pressure can influence the solubility of a solute in a solvent, which is essential for understanding reactions and processes in living organisms.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of a solution relate to biological processes such as osmosis?
  • Solutions are fundamental to biological processes like osmosis because they determine how water and solutes move across cell membranes. In osmosis, water moves from an area of lower solute concentration to one of higher concentration through a semi-permeable membrane until equilibrium is reached. Understanding solutions helps explain how cells maintain their internal environments and respond to changes in their external surroundings.
• Discuss the role of water as a solvent in biochemical reactions within living organisms.
  • Water acts as a universal solvent in biological systems due to its polar nature, allowing it to dissolve various ions and molecules essential for biochemical reactions. This property enables reactants to come together more easily, facilitating metabolic processes such as enzyme activity, nutrient transport, and waste removal. The effectiveness of these reactions heavily relies on the composition of solutions within cells.
• Evaluate the significance of solution concentration in cellular activities and how it can impact overall homeostasis.
  • The concentration of solutions within cells is vital for maintaining homeostasis since it influences enzyme activity, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination. For instance, if the concentration of certain ions becomes too high or low, it can disrupt cellular functions or lead to toxicity. Cells have mechanisms to regulate concentrations through processes like active transport and facilitated diffusion, ensuring that they operate optimally within their environments.

Related terms

solute:

The substance that is dissolved in a solution, such as salt or sugar.

solvent:

The substance that dissolves the solute, typically present in greater amount, with water being the most common solvent in biological systems.

concentration: The amount of solute present in a given volume of solution, which affects the properties and behaviors of the solution.