Osmosis vs. Plasmolysis — What's the Difference?

The passive movement of water across a semipermeable membrane.

The contraction of the cell membrane from the cell wall in plants.

The flow of solvent molecules through a selectively permeable barrier.

The state of a dehydrated plant cell due to external solute concentration.

The equalization of water concentration across a membrane.

The process where a plant cell's cytoplasm shrinks due to water loss.

A biological process governing water movement in cells.

A cellular phenomenon indicating osmotic stress in plants.

Osmosis (, US also ) is the spontaneous net movement or diffusion of solvent molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from a region of high water potential (region of lower solute concentration) to a region of low water potential (region of higher solute concentration), in the direction that tends to equalize the solute concentrations on the two sides. It may also be used to describe a physical process in which any solvent moves across a selectively permeable membrane (permeable to the solvent, but not the solute) separating two solutions of different concentrations.

The result of osmotic water loss in plant cells.

Diffusion of fluid through a semipermeable membrane from a solution with a low solute concentration to a solution with a higher solute concentration. Osmosis ceases when there is an equal solute concentration on both sides of the membrane.

Plasmolysis is the process in which cells lose water in a hypertonic solution. The reverse process, deplasmolysis or cytolysis, can occur if the cell is in a hypotonic solution resulting in a lower external osmotic pressure and a net flow of water into the cell.

The tendency of fluids to diffuse in such a manner.

Shrinkage or contraction of the protoplasm away from the wall of a living plant or bacterial cell, caused by loss of water through osmosis.

A gradual, often unconscious process of assimilation or absorption

(biology) the shrinking of protoplasm away from the cell wall of a plant or bacterium due to water loss

(chemistry) The net movement of solvent molecules, usually water, from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration through a partially permeable membrane.

(figurative) Passive absorption or impartation of information, habits, etc.; the act of teaching or picking up knowledge incidentally, without actually seeking that particular knowledge.

The tendency in fluids to mix, or become equably diffused, when in contact. It was first observed between fluids of differing densities, and as taking place through a membrane or an intervening porous structure. An older term for the phenomenon was Osmose.

Diffusion of molecules through a semipermeable membrane from a place of higher concentration to a place of lower concentration until the concentration on both sides is equal

The diffusion of water due to concentration differences.

Osmosis helps maintain cellular hydration and balances nutrients, ensuring cells function optimally.

While osmosis typically refers to water, the concept applies to any solvent moving across a semipermeable membrane.

Plasmolysis is triggered when plant cells are in a hypertonic solution, leading to water loss.

Yes, animal cells, like all cells, regulate their internal environment through osmosis.

Osmosis drives water uptake in plant roots as water moves from the soil to the roots due to concentration differences.

Osmosis can cause blood cells to swell or shrink, depending on the surrounding solution's tonicity.

Plasmolysis is evident when the plant cell membrane contracts and detaches from the cell wall.

Osmosis is the passive movement of water across a semipermeable membrane due to concentration differences.

Plasmolysis refers to the shrinking of a plant cell's cytoplasm due to water loss through osmosis.

While the concept is similar, animal cells don't undergo plasmolysis but can lyse or crenate due to osmotic imbalances.

Yes, plasmolysis can be reversed by placing cells in a hypotonic solution, causing water to re-enter the cells.

Prolonged plasmolysis can be detrimental, affecting the plant's metabolic activities and overall health.

Plants may wilt because plasmolysis reduces their cells' turgor pressure, leading to a droopy appearance.

Osmosis specifically requires a semipermeable membrane to facilitate selective movement based on concentration differences.

Reverse osmosis forces water against its concentration gradient using pressure, purifying it.