imbibitsioon

Imbibition is a process where a substance absorbs or is absorbed by another. In biology, it commonly refers to the absorption of water by a plant's seeds or roots. This absorption causes the material to swell. For seeds, imbibition is a crucial first step in germination. The absorbed water softens the seed coat and activates enzymes within the seed, initiating the growth process. In non-biological contexts, imbibition can describe how certain porous materials, like sponges or paper, soak up liquids. The liquid penetrates the material's structure, often due to capillary action and adhesion between the liquid molecules and the material's surface. This phenomenon is utilized in various applications, from cleaning spills to the functioning of certain types of filters. The rate and extent of imbibition depend on factors such as the properties of the absorbing material, the properties of the liquid, and the surrounding environmental conditions like temperature and pressure. It is a fundamental physical process with widespread occurrence.