In practical terms, endosmosis occurs when a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, which is a solution with a lower solute concentration than the cell. Water molecules will move into the cell in an attempt to equalize the solute concentrations on both sides of the cell membrane. This can cause the cell to swell and potentially burst.
Endosmosis is an important process in many biological systems. For example, it is involved in the absorption of water by plants from the soil, and the reabsorption of water in the kidneys.
Here is a simplified explanation of endosmosis:
* Imagine a U-shaped tube filled with water.
* A selectively permeable membrane separates the two arms of the tube.
* On one side of the membrane, there is a high concentration of solute molecules (e.g., salt).
* On the other side of the membrane, there is a low concentration of solute molecules.
* Water molecules will move from the low concentration side to the high concentration side of the membrane in an attempt to equalize the solute concentrations.
* This movement of water molecules is called endosmosis.
Endosmosis can also be explained in terms of water potential.
* Water potential is a measure of the free energy of water molecules.
* Water molecules move from an area of high water potential to an area of low water potential.
* In the case of endosmosis, the water potential is higher on the low solute concentration side of the membrane than it is on the high solute concentration side.
* Therefore, water molecules move from the low solute concentration side to the high solute concentration side of the membrane in an attempt to equalize the water potential.