Question

Explain endomosis and exomosis

Answer 1

What is an Endosmosis?

In endosmosis, movement of water molecules occurs from the surrounding environment into the cell due to a difference in water potential along the cell membrane. The water potential of the surrounding environment is higher than the water potential within th e cell in endosmosis. In simple terms, endosmosis is the movement of water into the cell through a semi- permeable cell membrane. Concerning the solute concentrations, cell cytosol has a higher solute concentration than the cell surrounding. The difference in water potential and the difference in solute concentrations involve in building up of a potential gradient that results in endosmosis.


What is an Exosmosis?

In exosmosis, water that is present in the cytosol is moved out from the cell due to a water potential gradient built across the cell and the surrounding environment. Here, the water potential of the cell is said to be higher concerning the surrounding environment. Therefore, water moves from the place of higher water potential (cell cytosol) to a place of lower potential (solution). Exosmosis in simple terms is the movement of water out from the cell. During exosmosis, the solute concentration in the cell is lower than the outside environment. Both factors such as the difference in water potential and solute concentration cause the built up of a potential gradient and finally results in the occurrence of exosmosis in a cell.

Answer 2

Hi,

Here is your answer

Endosmosis is the inward diffusion of water through a semi-permeable membrane when the surrounding solution is less concentrated. This tends to swell up the cell.

Exosmosis is the outward diffusion of water through a semi-permeable membrane when the surrounding solution is more concentrated. This tends to cause shrinkage of the cell. 

Hope this helps you.