Osmotic pressure

Definition

Osmotic pressure is the force exerted by solutes in a solution on a semipermeable membrane, driving the movement of water. It is crucial for maintaining cell integrity and function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Osmotic pressure is essential for regulating water balance in microbial cells.
2. Prokaryotic cells can be affected by osmotic pressure, leading to plasmolysis or cytolysis.
3. Hypertonic environments cause water to exit the cell, increasing osmotic pressure outside the cell.
4. Hypotonic environments lead to water entering the cell, increasing internal osmotic pressure.
5. Osmoregulation mechanisms are vital for bacteria to survive in varying osmotic conditions.

Review Questions

• What role does osmotic pressure play in microbial cell survival?
• How does a hypertonic environment affect bacterial cells?
• Why is osmoregulation important for prokaryotes?

Related terms

Plasmolysis: The process where cells lose water in a hypertonic environment causing them to shrink.

Cytolysis: The bursting of a cell due to excessive internal osmotic pressure in a hypotonic environment.

Osmoregulation: The process by which cells regulate their internal concentration of solutes and water balance.