Osmosis
What is Osmosis? Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of high to lower concentration. Osmosis depends on the concentration of the solute in the aqueous solution that is separated by the partially permeable membrane. If the solute concentration is higher, the osmotic pressure will be high and the tendency to absorb water will be greater. The osmotic pressure is required to maintain equilibrium. Osmosis is responsible for the ability of plant roots to draw water from the soil. It can also be harmful by causing the cells to shrivel for example, using table salt on slugs. |
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