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Osmosis - definition, function and meaning in biology

Osmosis is the transport of water through a semi-permeable membrane. Find out how this process is used in biology, technology and medicine.

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Osmosis is the transport of water through a semi-permeable membrane. Find out how this process is used in biology, technology and medicine.

Osmosis is a physical-chemical process in which water or other solvents migrate through a semi-permeable membrane from a solution with a lower concentration to a solution with a higher concentration. This process equalises concentration differences between two liquids and plays an essential role in biological, chemical and technical applications.

Osmosis in biology

In biological systems, osmosis is crucial for cell metabolism, the regulation of the water balance and the transport of nutrients. Examples of biological osmosis are:

  • Cell membranes: Water diffuses in and out of cells to equalise osmotic pressure.
  • Plant cells: Water uptake by osmosis provides the internal cell pressure (turgor) that gives plants stability.
  • Kidney function: The filtration and recovery of water in the kidneys takes place via osmotic processes.

Osmosis in technology and industry

Osmosis is used in many technical and industrial areas:

  • Reverse osmosis: A water treatment process in which high pressure is used to separate pure water from contaminants.
  • Food industry: Osmotic processes are used in the preservation and processing of food.
  • Medical applications: Osmotic principles are used in dialysis processes and drug release.

Osmotic pressure and its significance

Osmotic pressure is the force created by the movement of the solvent. If this pressure is disturbed in biological systems, cell shrinkage (plasmolysis) or cell swelling (cytolysis) can occur.

Osmosis is therefore a fundamental mechanism that plays a central role both in nature and in technical processes.

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