Difference Between Endosmosis and Exosmosis Overview
Endosmosis and exosmosis are two forms of osmosis processes that are often used to describe biological transport mechanisms in complicated systems. Both of these processes fall under the umbrella term "osmosis." Endosmosis occurs when the solvent of a solution enters a cell, whereas exosmosis occurs when the solvent exits the cell.
What is Osmosis?
Osmosis is the passage of a solvent (such as water) over a semipermeable membrane from a solution with a low solute concentration to a solution with a greater solute concentration. When equalization occurs on both sides of the membrane, the flow of this solution stops. Endosmosis and exosmosis are the two forms of osmosis.
Difference Between Endosmosis and Exosmosis: Definitions
Definition of Endosmosis
The passage of water over a semipermeable barrier into an area with increased solute concentration is known as endosmosis. In other words, it occurs when water moves from a low solute concentration area to a high solute concentration area. When two solutions are separated by a semipermeable membrane and the solution with the greater solute concentration surrounds the solution with the lower solute concentration, this can occur. When a cell is immersed in a hypotonic solution, water travels into the cell and causes it to expand. Endosmosis is the flow of water within a cell. Because the solute concentration of the surrounding solution is lower than that of the cytoplasm, this occurs.
Definition of Exosmosis
Exosmosis is the transfer of water from a high-concentration location to a low-concentration area. This can happen through a semipermeable membrane, which enables water but not solutes to flow through. When this occurs, the water exerts pressure on the side with the higher concentration, which is known as osmotic pressure. When a cell is immersed in a hypertonic solution, water escapes and the cell becomes flaccid. This occurs because thesolute concentration in the surrounding solution is greater than the concentration within the cytoplasm.
Difference Between Endosmosis and Exosmosis: Examples
Examples of Endosmosis
The following are examples of endosmosis-
- Plant Water Adoption: Water is absorbed by plants through the endosmosis process, which begins with the root hairs of any plant and continues through the xylem tissues in its steam until the water reaches every part of the plant.
- Raisin Swelling: Dried grapes may swell when put in a hypotonic solution or plain water. Grapes' membrane allows water to get through because of their high water potential, which starts the endosmosis process. After around 24 hours, it swells up and transforms into prolonged raisins.
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Examples of Exosmosis
The following are examples of exosmosis-
- Egg in saltwater: The majority of an egg yolk is made up of water, which is less hypertonic than syrup, and proteins. An egg's membrane is semipermeable due to the calcium carbonate that makes up its structure. A hypertonic solution is saltwater. When an egg is placed in the solution, it begins to leak water and contract.
- Shrinking of Raisins: Sugar syrup is a hypertonic fluid, which explains why raisins are shrinking. if raisins that have swelled are stored in sugar syrup. Exosmosis causes water to leave the cell, which causes raisins to start to shrivel up. The weight of raisins increases.
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Difference Between Endosmosis and Exosmosis
The following table gives details about the difference between endosmosis and exosmosis-
|
Particulars |
Endosmosis |
Exosmosis |
|
Meaning |
It is the movement of molecules from a high-concentration region to a low-concentration region across a semipermeable membrane. |
It is the diffusion of molecules from a low-concentration area to a high-concentration region over a semipermeable membrane. |
|
Examples |
It is responsible for nutrient and water intake by plant cells. |
It is the process through which waste products are released from plant cells. |
|
Process |
The concentration gradient that exists across a semipermeable membrane causes endosmosis. Until equilibrium is attained, the molecules will diffuse from the high concentration to the low concentration. |
It happens as a result of a pressure differential across a semipermeable membrane. The molecules will diffuse from the low-pressure area to the high-pressure area until equilibrium is established. |
|
Significance |
Dosimetry is important because it permits cells to absorb nutrients and water. |
It is important because it permits cells to eliminate waste. |
|
Consequences |
It can be dangerous if it happens in large quantities, as it can cause cells to enlarge and explode. |
It can be advantageous if it happens in excess since it can aid in the removal of toxins from the body. |
|
Potential Water Effect |
Endosmosis reduces water potential. |
Exosmosis raises water's potential. |
|
The concentration of the solution |
It occurs when there is less solute and more solvent around the cell. |
It occurs when there is more solute and less solvent in the surrounding environment than in the cell. |
|
Solvent Movement |
To enter the cell, the solvent goes through the semipermeable membrane. |
It is the process through which the solvent exits the cell. |
|
Type of Solution required |
Endosmosis necessitates the use of a hypotonic solution. |
A hypertonic solution is required for exosmosis. |
|
The Gradient of Osmotic Pressure |
The osmotic gradient pulls water out of the cell. |
The osmotic gradient moves toward the cell's interior. |
Similarities between Endosmosis and Exosmosis
The following are similarities between endosmosis and exosmosis-
- Moving water molecules over the cell membrane occurs during both procedures.
- Osmosis comes in two flavors.
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Points to Remember
- During endosmosis, the water potential in the surrounding region increases.
- During exosmosis, the water potential in the surrounding region decreases.
- Endosmosis is the process by which water enters a cell via its membrane.
- Exosmosis is the process by which water exits a cell via its membrane.
- Endosmosis occurs when a cell is immersed in a hypotonic fluid.
- Exosmosis occurs when a cell is immersed in a hypertonic fluid.
- Semipermeable membranes include the skin of raisins, egg membranes, plant semipermeable membranes, and so on.
Conclusion
Exosmosis is the passage of water and other molecules across a semipermeable membrane from a higher concentration to a lower concentration. The passage of water and other molecules across a semipermeable membrane from a lower concentration to a higher concentration is known as endosmosis, which is the opposite of exosmosis. The cell wall is semi-permeable because it allows for the free passage of smaller molecules like water but prevents the passage of bigger molecules like proteins. Two different forms of cell walls consisting of complex carbohydrates are chitin and cellulose. Exosmosis happens when water evaporates from the leaves, but endosmosis occurs when root cells absorb water from the soil.