Osmosis

AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy · Biology · Foundation tier
B1 — Cell biology · Transport in cells

The big idea

Osmosis is the diffusion of water from a dilute solution (high water concentration) to a concentrated solution (low water concentration) through a partially permeable membrane.

Watch it happen

Small water molecules slip through the membrane. Large sugar molecules are too big to pass. The net result: water moves into the concentrated (sugary) side.

Water molecule (small — can cross) Sugar molecule (large — cannot cross)

Check your understanding

Question 1 of 10
PICTURE