* Semipermeable membrane: This membrane allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others. Cell membranes are semipermeable, allowing water to pass but restricting larger molecules like sugars and proteins.
* Water movement: Water moves from an area of high water concentration (and therefore low solute concentration) to an area of low water concentration (and therefore high solute concentration). This is driven by the difference in water potential.
* Goal: The ultimate goal of osmosis is to reach equilibrium, where the concentration of water (and solutes) is equal on both sides of the membrane.
In simpler terms: Imagine a glass with a semipermeable membrane separating two solutions. One side has a lot of water (and few dissolved substances) while the other has less water (and more dissolved substances). Water will naturally flow from the side with more water to the side with less water until the concentration is balanced.
Important Note: Osmosis is a passive process, meaning it doesn't require any energy input from the cell. It's driven solely by the concentration gradient of water.
