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Theory Osmosis If a dilute solution is separated from a concentrated solution by a partially permeable membrane water diffuses across the membrane from the dilute solution to the concentrated solution. This process is known as osmosis. A partially permeable membrane is porous but allows water to pass through it more rapidly than dissolved substances. Because a dilute solution contains more water molecules than a concentrated solution there is a diffusion gradient. This means that the water moves from the dilute to the concentrated solution. In living cells the cell membrane is partially permeable and the cytoplasm and vacuole (in plant cells) contain certain dissolved substances. Because of this water tends to diffuse into cells by osmosis if they are surrounded by a weak solution, like fresh water, if the cells are surrounded by a stronger solution, like sea water, then the cells will lose water by osmosis. Explanation of Osmosis When a substance such as sugar...

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