Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules, from a region where the water molecules are in higher concentration, such as in the soil. To a region where they are in lower concentration, such as the root hair cell; through a partially permeable membrane (allows water and other small molecules to pass through).

A dilute solution (a mixture formed by a solute and a solvent) contains a high concentration of water molecules, while a concentrated solution contains a low concentration of water molecules.

If the concentration of water is the same on both sides of the membrane, the movement of water molecules will be the same in both directions. There will be no net movement of water molecules. The level of the solution will rise, but this will be resisted by gravity and will be dependent on the width of the container.

As we know, plant cells have a strong cellulose cell wall outside the cell membrane the cell wall is fully permeable to all molecules and supports the cell and stops it from bursting when it gains water by osmosis 💦

Did you know that animal cells also take in and lose water by osmosis? Because animal cells do not have a cell wall, they change size and shape when they are put into solutions that are at a different concentration to the cell. Follow our Instagram @sherpaonline_ for more fun facts!😝

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