Answer:
Osmosis is an important process that occurs in living things. The following are examples of biological processes that rely on osmosis:
1. Cellular hydration - Osmosis plays a role in hydrating or dehydrating cells. Water can move into or out of cells via osmosis, depending on the concentration gradient across the cell membrane.
2. Nutrient uptake and waste removal - Cells require nutrients to carry out their metabolic functions and produce waste products that need to be removed. Osmosis is involved in the movement of these substances in and out of cells.
3. Regulation of blood pressure - Osmosis is important in regulating blood pressure. For instance, when the concentration of ions in the blood increases, osmosis causes water to move from surrounding tissues into the bloodstream to restore balance.
4. Root absorption in plants - Osmosis allows plants to absorb water and minerals from soil through their roots. The concentration gradient between the soil and the root cells enables water to move via osmosis.
5. Osmoregulation - This process involves maintaining a balance between water and solute concentrations in living things. For instance, freshwater fish depend on osmosis to expel excess water from their bodies and maintain the right balance of ions, while marine fish drink large amounts of water to balance the high salt concentration in their bodies.