Question

Briefly explain the term osmosis.

Answer 1

Osmosis:

1. Osmosis is defined as the movement of water molecules from the region of higher concentration to the region of lower concentration through the medium of a selectively permeable membrane.
2. The membrane that allows only specific molecules to pass through it. Example: egg membrane.
3. It is a passive process that is, it doesn’t require any input energy for transportation.
4. Osmosis is of two types: exosmosis and endosmosis.

Exosmosis:

It is the outward movement of water molecules through the semipermeable membrane where the medium surrounding the cell is hypertonic.

Endosmosis:

It is the inward movement of water molecules through the semipermeable membrane where the medium surrounding the cell is hypotonic

Significance of osmosis:

1. Osmosis regulates the opening and closing of stomata.
2. The absorption of water from the soil through root hair is regulated by osmosis.
3. It helps to maintain cell turgidity.