How does osmosis work?

Osmosis can be explained as the passing of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane from an area of high concentration of water molecules to an area of low concentration of water molecules.If water is added to a solution, this will increase the concentration of water molecules whilst decreasing the solute concentration. This will cause water to move out of this area of high concentration of water molecules into an area of low concentration.Alternatively, if solutes (such as sugars or salts) are added to water will decrease the concentration of water molecules within the solution whilst increasing the solute concentration. This will cause water to move into this area of low concentration of water from an area of high concentration.

GW
Answered by Grace W. Biology tutor

4104 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the function of the cell nucleus?


What are the main components of an animal cell? What are their functions?


How are the lungs adapted for gas exchange?


What is diffusion, and what are the factors that affect the rate of diffusion


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning