Question

Explain the terms given below:
(i) Diffusion
(ii) Osmosis
(iii) Exosmosis
(iv) Hypertonic Solution
(v) Root Pressure

Answer 1

(i) Diffusion
Diffusion is the movement of molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration down the concentration gradient.

(ii) Osmosis
Osmosis is a process by which the molecules of a solvent pass from a solution of low concentration to a solution of high concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.

(iii) Exosmosis
Exosmosis is the movement of water outside the cells when a cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. The cell becomes flaccid by the movement of water outside.

(iv) Hypertonic Solution
If the surrounding solution has a higher solute concentration compared to inside the cell, then it is called a hypertonic solution.
Or if the surrounding solution has low solvent concentration compared to the inside of the cell, then it is hypertonic solution.
In this condition the solvent moves from the cell to the outside.

(v) Root Pressure
Root pressure is a force or the hydrostatic pressure generated in the roots that help in driving the fluids and other ions from the soil in upwards directions into the plant’s vascular tissue – Xylem. This process is produced by osmotic pressure in the cells of the root.