Question

Discuss biological and industrial importance of osmosis.

Answer 1

Some essential importance of osmosis are given below:

• In animals, circulation of water to all parts of body takes place due to osmosis.

• Plant roots absorb water from soil due to osmosis. Concentration of cell sap inside the root hair cells is higher than that of water present in the soil. Water enters the root cells due to endosmosis.

• Water absorbed by plant roots is circulated in the entire plant body and reaches to the top of a tall tree due to osmosis.

• Osmosis helps in plant growth and germination of seeds.

• Red blood cells burst when placed in water; it is due to endosmosis.

• Various functions of plants are controlled by osmosis, e.g., stretching of leaves and flowers, opening and closing of flowers.

• Use of salt and sugar in‘pickles and jams acts as preservatives. It prevents growth of bacteria and fungi by osmosis.

• Dead bodies swell under water due to endosmosis.

• When dried fruits and vegetables are placed in water, they slowly swell and return to the original form. It is again due to endosmosis of water into the fruits and vegetables.

• Edema: Due to excess intake of salt by a person, the tissues become puffy, it is called edema. It is due to retention of water in the tissue owing to osmosis.