oszmozízis

Osmosis is a passive process of diffusion that involves 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 process continues until equilibrium is reached, meaning the concentration of solvent and solute is uniform on both sides of the membrane, or until the hydrostatic pressure difference across the membrane balances the osmotic pressure difference.

Osmosis is crucial for many biological and chemical processes. In living organisms, it plays a vital role in maintaining cell hydration and nutrient transport. For example, plant roots absorb water from the soil through osmosis. In animal cells, osmosis helps regulate the water balance within the cells, preventing them from bursting or shriveling. In industrial settings, osmosis is utilized in technologies like reverse osmosis for water purification and desalination. The driving force behind osmosis is the difference in water potential, which is influenced by both solute concentration and pressure.