Effect of Osmosis on Cell
Osmosis has a direct impact on cells. When a plant or animal cell is surrounded by a hypotonic solution, the animal cell can burst (lyse), while plant cells, with rigid cell walls and a greater need for water, maintain their structure. Animal cells find equilibrium in an isotonic solution, while plant cells lose their turgidity in such conditions.
Reverse osmosis, conversely, allows for the reversal of the osmotic process by applying external pressure, typically on the side with the solute. This pressure halts or even reverses the flow of molecules. The minimum pressure required for achieving reverse osmosis is referred to as osmotic pressure.
Osmosis
Osmosis is a biological and chemical process in which there is passive movement of solvent molecules from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration through a semipermeable membrane, thus equalizing solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane. The osmosis process is essential for many biological processes, including the absorption of nutrients and the maintenance of the fluid balance in cells and organisms.
Table of Content
- Osmosis Definition
- What is Osmosis?
- Osmotic Solution
- Types of Osmosis
- Effect of Osmosis on Cell
- Osmotic Pressure
- Significance of Osmosis
- Examples of Osmosis
- Factors Affecting Osmosis
- Variation of Osmosis
- Difference Between Osmosis and Diffusion
- FAQs on Osmosis