Answer :
Final answer:
Osmosis is the diffusion of water through a semipermeable membrane based on concentration gradients. Water moves from higher to lower concentrations of free water, thereby equalizing concentrations. This process is crucial in maintaining cellular functions and balance.
Explanation:
Understanding Osmosis
Osmosis is defined as the diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane based on the concentration gradient of water molecules. This process is essential in biological systems and helps regulate the movement of water into and out of cells.
In osmosis, water molecules move from an area of higher concentration of free water to an area of lower concentration. This means that if two sides of a membrane have different concentrations of dissolved substances (or solutes), the side with a lower concentration of solutes will have a higher concentration of water molecules. As a result, water will flow through the membrane towards the side with a higher solute concentration to try and equalize the concentration of water on both sides.
For example, consider a beaker divided by a semipermeable membrane. If one side has pure water and the other side has a salt solution, water will move from the pure water side to the salt solution side until the concentrations of water across the membrane are balanced. This movement is vital in various biological processes, such as maintaining cell turgor pressure in plants and regulating hydration in animal cells.
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