What is Osmosis _ It’s Meaning and Definition Diffusion of a solvent (usually water molecules).
What is Osmosis _ It’s Meaning and Definition Diffusion of a solvent (usually water molecules).
Osmosis is the movement of a solvent (usually water molecules) across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration. This process continues until equilibrium is reached.
Definition of Osmosis
Osmosis is the diffusion of a solvent, typically water, through a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
Key Points About Osmosis:
- Occurs through a semipermeable membrane (allows only certain molecules to pass).
- Moves solvent molecules (e.g., water), not solutes.
- Happens due to a concentration gradient (difference in solute concentration).
- Aims to achieve equilibrium between both sides of the membrane.
Types of Osmosis:
- Endosmosis – Water moves into the cell when placed in a hypotonic solution.
- Exosmosis – Water moves out of the cell when placed in a hypertonic solution.
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