Question

Are aquaporins used in osmosis?

Answer 1

Aquaporins:

1. Aquaporins are integral (transmembrane) proteins that are found in the cell membrane of bacteria, plants, and animals.
2. Osmosis refers to the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable (semipermeable) membrane.
3. Water moves from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential until equilibrium is attained.
4. Since water is a polar molecule; hence they diffuse very slowly across the membrane.
5. Aquaporins are used in osmosis. They form a channel and facilitate the rapid passage of water molecules by a process called facilitated diffusion.