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

4125 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do prokaryotes differ from eukaryotes?


How are the lungs specialised for exchanging gases?


Describe how selective breeding could be used to improve the volume of milk produced by cows.


Describe what an enzyme is and explain how it works


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning