Glossary
The English version of our glossary is currently under construction and will be regularly updated.
Osmotic
Refers to a process connected to the diffusion of molecules or ions through a semipermeable membrane, i.e., the exchange of mixable liquids through a membrane.
In biology, osmosis refers to the process in which, in response to a difference in concentrations, molecules or ions diffuse through a semipermeable membrane to an area characterised by a higher concentration.
When there is a solution on both sides of a semipermeable membrane and the concentration differs on the two sides, it produces a concentration gradient, leading to the osmotic flow of molecules or ions through the membrane. The direction of flow depends on the respective concentrations, with solution shifting from the lower-concentration side to the higher-concentration side.
Osmotic processes play an important part in biological systems, particularly in regulating the water balances of cells and tissues.