key term - Osmosis

Definition

Osmosis is the process by which water molecules move from an area of high water concentration to one of lower water concentration through a selectively permeable membrane. It is crucial for maintaining the balance of fluids in cells and across cell membranes.

Related terms

Selectively permeable membrane: A barrier that allows some substances to pass while blocking others, essential for controlling the movement of materials into and out of cells.

Diffusion:

The movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, a process that occurs alongside osmosis for solute particles.

Homeostasis:

The regulation of internal conditions within cells or organisms to maintain stable, balanced conditions, for which processes like osmosis are vital