what name is given to the process by which water moves across a membrane?
What name is given to the process by which water moves across a membrane?
Answer: The process by which water moves across a membrane is called osmosis.
Osmosis is a fundamental concept in biology and chemistry, referring specifically to the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane. This movement occurs from an area of lower solute concentration (higher water potential) to an area of higher solute concentration (lower water potential) until equilibrium is reached.
Key Points About Osmosis:
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Selective Permeability: The membrane allows only certain molecules, particularly water, to pass through while restricting others, such as solutes.
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Concentration Gradient: Osmosis is driven by the concentration gradient of the solute. Water moves to balance solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.
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Equilibrium: The process continues until the concentrations of solute and solvent are equal on both sides of the membrane, achieving equilibrium.
Biological Importance of Osmosis:
- Cellular Function: Osmosis is crucial for maintaining cell turgor pressure, which is essential for plant rigidity and stability.
- Homeostasis: It helps in the regulation of fluids and electrolytes within cells and tissues, contributing to overall homeostasis.
- Nutrient Absorption and Waste Removal: Osmosis plays a critical role in the absorption of nutrients and the excretion of waste products in organisms.
Examples:
- Plant Cells: Water absorption by plant roots from the soil is a direct result of osmosis.
- Human Kidneys: Osmosis is involved in the reabsorption of water in the kidneys, which is essential for concentrating urine and conserving water in the body.
Understanding osmosis is fundamental to various scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and environmental science, as it explains how water and solutes interact across cellular membranes.