Exosmosis

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Exosmosis is a biological and physical process that involves the movement of a solvent from an area of lower solute concentration, through a semipermeable membrane, to an area of higher solute concentration. This process is fundamental to the survival of cells in living organisms, as it helps to maintain the balance of water and solutes in their bodies.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Exosmosis is a type of osmosis, which is a natural process that occurs in living organisms. It is the movement of a solvent (usually water) from an area of lower solute concentration, through a semipermeable membrane, to an area of higher solute concentration. This process is essential for the survival of cells, as it helps to maintain the balance of water and solutes in their bodies.

Process[edit | edit source]

The process of exosmosis begins when a cell is placed in a solution that has a higher solute concentration than the cell itself. The water inside the cell will then start to move out of the cell, through the cell's semipermeable membrane, and into the surrounding solution. This movement of water continues until the concentration of solutes inside and outside the cell is equal, at which point the process of exosmosis stops.

Importance[edit | edit source]

Exosmosis plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of water and solutes in the bodies of living organisms. Without this process, cells could become dehydrated or overly hydrated, which could lead to cell damage or death. In addition, exosmosis also plays a role in the transport of nutrients and waste products in and out of cells.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Exosmosis Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD