what do you mean by osmosis
Answers
OSMOSIS:-
Osmosis is a process by which the molecules of a solvent pass from a solution of low concentration to a solution of high concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.”
Types of Osmosis
Osmosis is of two types:
Endosmosis–
When a substance is placed in a hypotonic solution, the solvent molecules move inside the cell and the cell becomes turgid or undergoes deplasmolysis. This is known as endosmosis.
Exosmosis–
When a substance is placed in a hypertonic solution, the solvent molecules move outside the cell and the cell becomes flaccid or undergoes plasmolysis. This is known as exosmosis.
Effect of Osmosis on Cells
Osmosis affects the cells differently. An animal cell will lyse when placed in a hypotonic solution compared to a plant cell. The plant cell has thick walls and requires more water. The cells will not burst when placed in a hypotonic solution. In fact, a hypotonic solution is ideal for a plant cell.
An animal cell survives only in an isotonic solution. In an isotonic solution, the plant cells are no longer turgid and the leaves of the plant droop.