What role does osmosis play in cellular function?

What role does osmosis play in cellular function?

• A. It accumulates energy within the cell
• B. It assists in synthesis of proteins
• C. It is the passive movement of water across a semipermeable membrane
• D. It directly transports nutrients into the cell

Answer: (C)

Osmosis is a vital process in cellular function that refers specifically to the passive movement of water across a semipermeable membrane. This movement occurs in response to differences in solute concentration on either side of the membrane. When a cell is placed in a solution with a higher concentration of solutes, water moves out of the cell to balance the concentrations. Conversely, if the cell is in a dilute solution, water moves into the cell. This movement helps maintain the cell's turgor pressure, regulates its volume, and contributes to homeostasis. By facilitating the balance of water and solute concentrations, osmosis plays a crucial role in a variety of crucial cellular processes, including nutrient delivery, waste removal, and overall cellular hydration. Therefore, understanding osmosis is fundamental for grasping how cells sustain their internal environment and function effectively.

Osmosis is a vital process in cellular function that refers specifically to the passive movement of water across a semipermeable membrane. This movement occurs in response to differences in solute concentration on either side of the membrane. When a cell is placed in a solution with a higher concentration of solutes, water moves out of the cell to balance the concentrations. Conversely, if the cell is in a dilute solution, water moves into the cell. This movement helps maintain the cell's turgor pressure, regulates its volume, and contributes to homeostasis.

By facilitating the balance of water and solute concentrations, osmosis plays a crucial role in a variety of crucial cellular processes, including nutrient delivery, waste removal, and overall cellular hydration. Therefore, understanding osmosis is fundamental for grasping how cells sustain their internal environment and function effectively.