What is the process of osmosis?

Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of solvent—typically water—across a semi-permeable membrane, and it occurs in response to solute concentration gradients. In this process, water moves from an area of lower solute concentration (where there is a higher concentration of solvent) to an area of higher solute concentration (where there is a lower concentration of solvent). This movement continues until there is an equal concentration of solute on both sides of the membrane, thereby leading to equilibrium.

Understanding this concept is essential in various biological and chemical processes, as osmosis plays a critical role in maintaining cellular integrity and function. It explains how cells manage water content and solute levels, which is vital for processes such as nutrient absorption in plants and regulating hydration in bodily cells.