osmosis

(noun)

The net movement of solvent molecules from a region of high solvent potential to a region of lower solvent potential through a partially permeable membrane.

Related Terms

Examples of osmosis in the following topics:

  • Molecular Transport Phenomena

    • These include diffusion and osmosis.
    • Osmosis is driven by the imbalance in water concentration.
    • Both osmosis and dialysis are used by the kidneys to cleanse the blood .
    • Osmosis will be to the right, since water is less concentrated there.

  • Biological and Medical Applications

    • Another important form of fluid movement is osmosis—the transport of water through a semipermeable membrane (shown in ) from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration.
    • Both osmosis and dialysis are used by the kidneys to cleanse the blood, and the medical application of dialysis through machinery is important in the treatment of individuals with failing kidney function.