Table of Contents
Introduction to Exosmosis and Endosmosis
Exosmosis is the passage of a solvent (such as water) from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration through a semipermeable membrane.
Endosmosis is the passage of a solvent from a region of low concentration to a region of high concentration through a semipermeable membrane.
Exosmosis and Endosmosis
Exosmosis is the passive transport of water molecules and other dissolved substances across a cell membrane from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration.
Endosmosis is the opposite process, in which water and other dissolved substances are transported into a cell from a region of low concentration to a region of high concentration.
Fate of RBCs when placed in Hypotonic, Hypertonic, and Isotonic Solutions
When red blood cells are placed in hypotonic solutions, they will take in water from the solution and will swell. This is because the red blood cells are not able to maintain their osmotic pressure and will take in water from the solution. When the red blood cells are placed in hypertonic solutions, they will lose water and will shrink. This is because the red blood cells are not able to maintain their osmotic pressure and will lose water to the hypertonic solution. When the red blood cells are placed in isotonic solutions, they will remain the same size. This is because the red blood cells are able to maintain their osmotic pressure and will not take in or lose water.
Differences Between Exosmosis and Endosmosis
Exosmosis is the diffusion of water molecules from a higher concentration to a lower concentration through a semipermeable membrane. Endosmosis is the diffusion of water molecules from a lower concentration to a higher concentration through a semipermeable membrane.
The main difference between exosmosis and endosmosis is that exosmosis is the diffusion of water molecules from a higher concentration to a lower concentration, while endosmosis is the diffusion of water molecules from a lower concentration to a higher concentration.
