Osmóza

Osmóza is a fundamental physical and biological process involving the movement of solvent molecules, typically water, across a selectively permeable membrane. This movement occurs from a region of higher solvent concentration to a region of lower solvent concentration, or equivalently, from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration. The net movement of the solvent continues until equilibrium is reached, meaning the concentration of solvent is equal on both sides of the membrane.

A selectively permeable membrane is crucial for osmosis to occur. This type of membrane allows solvent molecules to pass through but restricts the passage of solute molecules. Examples of such membranes include the cell membranes of living organisms. The driving force behind osmosis is the difference in water potential, which is influenced by both solute concentration and pressure. Water potential is a measure of the free energy of water molecules, and water moves from an area of higher water potential to an area of lower water potential.

Osmóza plays a vital role in many biological systems. For instance, plant roots absorb water from the soil through osmosis. In animal cells, it helps maintain cell volume and fluid balance. Disruptions to osmotic balance can have significant physiological consequences. Industrially, osmosis is utilized in processes like desalination, where water is purified by moving it across a semipermeable membrane from a saline solution to a freshwater solution.