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Updated on 09th May, 2023 , 4 min read
Endosmosis and exosmosis are two forms of osmosis processes that are often used to describe biological transport mechanisms in complicated systems. Both of these processes fall under the umbrella term "osmosis." Endosmosis occurs when the solvent of a solution enters a cell, whereas exosmosis occurs when the solvent exits the cell.
Osmosis is the passage of a solvent (such as water) over a semipermeable membrane from a solution with a low solute concentration to a solution with a greater solute concentration. When equalization occurs on both sides of the membrane, the flow of this solution stops. Endosmosis and exosmosis are the two forms of osmosis.
The passage of water over a semipermeable barrier into an area with increased solute concentration is known as endosmosis. In other words, it occurs when water moves from a low solute concentration area to a high solute concentration area. When two solutions are separated by a semipermeable membrane and the solution with the greater solute concentration surrounds the solution with the lower solute concentration, this can occur. When a cell is immersed in a hypotonic solution, water travels into the cell and causes it to expand. Endosmosis is the flow of water within a cell. Because the solute concentration of the surrounding solution is lower than that of the cytoplasm, this occurs.
Exosmosis is the transfer of water from a high-concentration location to a low-concentration area. This can happen through a semipermeable membrane, which enables water but not solutes to flow through. When this occurs, the water exerts pressure on the side with the higher concentration, which is known as osmotic pressure. When a cell is immersed in a hypertonic solution, water escapes and the cell becomes flaccid. This occurs because thesolute concentration in the surrounding solution is greater than the concentration within the cytoplasm.
The following are examples of endosmosis-
The following are examples of exosmosis-
Difference Between Endosmosis and Exosmosis
The following table gives details about the difference between endosmosis and exosmosis-
Particulars |
Endosmosis |
Exosmosis |
Meaning |
It is the movement of molecules from a high-concentration region to a low-concentration region across a semipermeable membrane. |
It is the diffusion of molecules from a low-concentration area to a high-concentration region over a semipermeable membrane. |
Examples |
It is responsible for nutrient and water intake by plant cells. |
It is the process through which waste products are released from plant cells. |
Process |
The concentration gradient that exists across a semipermeable membrane causes endosmosis. Until equilibrium is attained, the molecules will diffuse from the high concentration to the low concentration. |
It happens as a result of a pressure differential across a semipermeable membrane. The molecules will diffuse from the low-pressure area to the high-pressure area until equilibrium is established. |
Significance |
Dosimetry is important because it permits cells to absorb nutrients and water. |
It is important because it permits cells to eliminate waste. |
Consequences |
It can be dangerous if it happens in large quantities, as it can cause cells to enlarge and explode. |
It can be advantageous if it happens in excess since it can aid in the removal of toxins from the body. |
Potential Water Effect |
Endosmosis reduces water potential. |
Exosmosis raises water's potential. |
The concentration of the solution |
It occurs when there is less solute and more solvent around the cell. |
It occurs when there is more solute and less solvent in the surrounding environment than in the cell. |
Solvent Movement |
To enter the cell, the solvent goes through the semipermeable membrane. |
It is the process through which the solvent exits the cell. |
Type of Solution required |
Endosmosis necessitates the use of a hypotonic solution. |
A hypertonic solution is required for exosmosis. |
The Gradient of Osmotic Pressure |
The osmotic gradient pulls water out of the cell. |
The osmotic gradient moves toward the cell's interior. |
The following are similarities between endosmosis and exosmosis-
Exosmosis is the passage of water and other molecules across a semipermeable membrane from a higher concentration to a lower concentration. The passage of water and other molecules across a semipermeable membrane from a lower concentration to a higher concentration is known as endosmosis, which is the opposite of exosmosis. The cell wall is semi-permeable because it allows for the free passage of smaller molecules like water but prevents the passage of bigger molecules like proteins. Two different forms of cell walls consisting of complex carbohydrates are chitin and cellulose. Exosmosis happens when water evaporates from the leaves, but endosmosis occurs when root cells absorb water from the soil.
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By - Nikita Parmar 2024-09-06 10:59:22 , 6 min readAns. Endosmosis is demonstrated by the swelling of raisins and grapes in water, the absorption of water by the roots, and the absorption of water in the xylem vessels by the roots.
Ans. Osmosis is significant because it allows cells to control their internal environment. Cells can regulate what goes in and out of them by managing the passage of water molecules. This is necessary for living because it lets cells absorb nutrients and eliminate waste materials that might be detrimental to them.
Ans. Exosmosis occurs in plants when water moves from root hair cells to cortical cells.
Ans. Endosmosis and exosmosis have significant consequences for live cells. Endosmosis is required for plants to absorb water from the soil and flourish. Exosmosis is required for live cells to eliminate waste materials. If one of these processes did not take place, cells would soon become toxic and perish.
Ans. Plants and animals are both affected by osmosis. Osmosis is required for plants to take in water from the soil and flourish. Osmosis helps animals control their body temperature by enabling heat to escape from their bodies and into the surrounding environment. Furthermore, osmosis is responsible for the transfer of fluids into and out of cells, which is required for life to exist.