IB Biology Sub-topic D2.3 Definitions

This page contains our IB Biology definitions for sub-topic D2.3. By learning each one of these definitions, you will fully cover the content for IB Biology 'Further water potential'.

All Topic 2 Sub-topics

(HL)A2.1: Origins of cells

A2.2: Cell Structure

(HL)A2.2: Further cell structure

(HL)A2.3: Viruses

B2.1: Membranes And Transport

(HL)B2.1: Further membranes and transport

B2.2: Organelles & Compartmentalisation

(HL)B2.2: Further organelles

B2.3: Cell Specialisation

(HL)B2.3: Further cell specialisation

(HL)C2.1: Chemical signalling

C2.2: Neural Signalling

(HL)C2.2: Further neural signalling

D2.1: Cell Division

(HL)D2.1: Cell cycle

(HL)D2.2: Gene expression

D2.3: Water Potential

(HL)D2.3: Further water potential

Flaccid

A state where the plant cell has lost water and turgor pressure, causing it to become limp

Hydrostatic Pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid in a closed system, affecting water potential

hypertonic

A solution with a higher solute concentration than another solution

hypotonic

A solution with a lower solute concentration than another solution

isotonic

A solution with the same solute concentration as another solution

osmosis

The movement of water from a region of low solute concentration to a region of high solute concentration, across a partially permeable cell membrane

Plasmolysis

The process in which cells lose water in a hypertonic solution, causing the cell membrane to pull away from the cell wall and leaving the cell flaccid

Turgor Pressure

The pressure exerted by water inside the cell against the cell wall, contributing to the plant cell's rigidity