What is osmosis?

– Definition:
– Osmosis is the movement of solvent molecules, typically water, across a semipermeable membrane.
– It occurs from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

– Semipermeable Membrane:
– Acts as a barrier allowing certain molecules, like water, to pass while restricting others based on size or charge.
– Examples include cell membranes or artificial membranes used in laboratories.

– Concentration Gradient:
– Movement of water occurs when there’s a difference in solute concentration between two areas separated by the membrane.
– Water moves to balance the concentration, from an area of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration.

– Equilibrium:
– Osmosis continues until equilibrium is reached, where the solute concentration is equal on both sides.
– Osmotic pressure builds up, preventing further net movement of water.

– Biological Importance:
– Essential in various biological processes, like water absorption in plant roots.
– Maintains proper hydration levels in cells and influences the movement of substances across cell membranes in living organisms.

Understanding osmosis helps us comprehend how substances move across membranes and its critical role in biological systems.