The Probert Encyclopaedia of Science & Technology

OSMOSIS

In chemistry, osmosis is the passage of fluid from a less concentrated solution to a more concentrated solution through a semi permeable membrane. A solution exerts osmotic pressure (O.P.) or suction in proportion to concentration but also depending on the kind of dissolved substance. The roots of the higher plants are covered with fine root-hairs, within the cell-walls of which the sap is normally of a higher concentration than the dissolved matter in the surrounding soil. The root-hairs, therefore, draw into themselves these weaker salt-solutions.
Research Osmosis