Question

Explain the importance of osmosis for living beings.

Answer 1

Osmosis:

1. Osmosis is the spontaneous passage of water or other solvents via a semipermeable membrane.
2. It is the process of movement of solvent molecules from a region of less solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration via a semipermeable membrane.

Importance of osmosis:

1. In plants, osmosis facilitates the absorption of water by root hair cells.
2. It helps in the movement of water between cells and in the buildup of turgor pressure in plants.
3. It ensures the re-absorption of water in the kidney and it plays a crucial role in osmoregulation and thus is important for homeostasis.