What are the different types of osmosis? Give examples.
Osmosis is the movement of solvent molecules from a region of their higher concentration to a region of their lower concentration, through a differentially permeable membrane.
Types of Osmosis:
- Exosmosis: Movement of water molecules out of a cell when the cell is placed in hypertonic solution.
- Endosmosis: Movement of water molecules into the cell when the cell is placed in hypotonic solution.
More to know:
- A hypertonic solution contains more salt concentration (i.e., lower water concentration) than cells. When cells are placed in such solutions, water moves out of the cells. The cell shrinks, resulting in the breaking down of the plasma membrane.
- A hypotonic solution contains lesser salt (i.e., higher water concentration) in the medium than the cell. The cell contains higher solute and lower water concentration. When cells are kept in such a solution, water enters inside the cells. It results in swelling and bursting of cells.
- An isotonic solution contains similar solute (salt or sugar) and water concentration, both inside the cell and in the medium (where the cell is suspended).