Osmosis and Osmolarity

Osmosis

the flow of water down its concentration gradient

—it is always passive and unaffected by membrane potential

Water can move through the ____ _____ or through specialized ______ called _________.

Water can move through the lipid bilayer or through specialized channels called aquaporins.

Osmolarity and its normal value

the total solute concentration of a solution

normal osmolarity of (ICF) and (ECF) is about 300 mOsm.

Types of Solutions of Osmolarity

Iso-osmotic

Hyperosmotic

Hypo-osmotic

Types of Solutions of Osmolarity: Iso-osmotic

Solutions with the same osmolarity.

Types of Solutions of Osmolarity: Hyperosmotic

A solution with a higher osmolarity.

Types of Solutions of Osmolarity: Hypo-osmotic

A solution with lower osmolarity

Osmotic Pressure

pressure required to prevent water from moving across the membrane, reflecting the tendency of water to move toward higher solute concentrations.

As osmolarity increases, osmotic pressure also increases, driving water movement toward the area of higher osmolarity.

Hydrostatic Pressure:

the pressure exerted by a fluid at rest. In the context of osmosis, it can counteract osmotic pressure, influencing water movement.