- The cells of living organisms: Osmosis helps maintain the proper balance of water and solutes inside and outside cells, ensuring their survival and function. When cells are placed in a hypotonic solution (lower solute concentration outside), water moves into them by osmosis, causing them to swell. In a hypertonic solution (higher solute concentration outside), water moves out of cells, causing them to shrink.
- The roots of plants: Water is absorbed by plant roots through osmosis. The root hairs, which are specialised structures on the surface of roots, facilitate the movement of water from the soil into the plant.
- The kidneys: Osmosis plays a crucial role in the kidneys' function of filtering and regulating body fluids. It helps maintain the appropriate composition of blood plasma and urine.
- The digestive system: Osmosis is involved in the absorption of water and nutrients from the digestive tract.
- Artificial membranes: Osmosis can also occur in artificial systems with semipermeable membranes, such as in water purification processes using reverse osmosis.
