Osmosis is the movement of water through a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration. For example, if a cell is placed in salt water, water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink. If it’s in pure water, water moves into the cell, making it swell.
Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. In cells, this process helps balance water levels inside and outside the cell.
If a cell is in freshwater (less solute outside), water enters, and the cell may swell.
In saltwater (more solute outside), water leaves, and the cell may shrink.
Osmosis is crucial for nutrient absorption, waste removal, and maintaining cell shape.
