Before we look at the difference between Endosmosis and Exosmosis, let’s go to the basics of what exactly “osmosis” is.
Osmosis is the movement of a solute (such as water) from a low concentration through a permeable membrane to a concentrated solution. The flow of solution stops when both sides of the membrane are equal.
What is Endosmosis?
When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell and causes it to swell. This movement of water within the cell is known as endocrine discharge. This happens because the solute concentration in the surrounding solution is lower than that inside the cytoplasm.
What is Exosmosis?
When the cell is placed in an ultrasonic solution, water leaves the cell and the cells relax. This movement of water out of the cell is known as efflux. This happens because the solute concentration in the surrounding solution is higher than that inside the cytoplasm.
Difference Between Endosmosis And Exosmosis
|
Endosmosis |
Exosmosis |
|
The solvent moves into the cell. (Endo = inside) |
The solvent moves out of the cell. (Exo = outside) |
| Osmosis towards the inside of a cell. | Osmosis towards the outside of a cell. |
| Occurs when there is lower osmotic pressure. | Occurs when the osmotic pressure is higher. |
| Hypotonic solutions induce endosmosis in cells (distilled water is hypotonic because it contains no solute). | Hypertonic solutions induce exosmosis in cells (Intravenous Fluid is often hypertonic as it has many solutes). |
| Higher water potential of the surrounding areas when compared to the cytosol (the watery part of cytoplasm in a cell). | Lower water potential of the surrounding areas when compared to the cytosol. |
| As a result, the cell swells. | As a result, the cell shrinks. |
| Example: Raisins swell when placed in normal water. | Example: Raisins shrivel when placed in a concentrated salt solution. |
Related Articles:
