What is osmosis in cells?

Osmosis is the passive movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from a region of higher water concentration (dilute solution) to a region of lower water concentration (concentrated solution).

It does not require energy and is essential for maintaining cell balance.

Process of osmosis in cells:

1. Semi-permeable membrane
The cell membrane allows water to pass through but restricts many solutes.

2. Movement of water
Water moves from an area with more water (low solute concentration) to an area with less water (high solute concentration).

3. Equalization
Osmosis continues until equilibrium is reached or pressure balances the movement.

Types of osmotic conditions:

• Hypotonic solution:
  Water enters the cell → cell swells (plant cells become turgid)

• Isotonic solution:
  No net movement of water → cell remains normal

• Hypertonic solution:
  Water leaves the cell → cell shrinks (plasmolysis in plant cells)

Importance of osmosis:

• Maintains cell shape and structure

• Helps in absorption of water by plant roots

• Regulates fluid balance in organisms

In simple terms: Osmosis is the movement of water across a membrane from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution.