Osmosis when membrane is permeable to both solute and water?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of water and sodium ions across a selectively permeable membrane. In a hypertonic solution (higher sodium concentration) on side A and a hypotonic solution (lower sodium concentration) on side B, water moves from side B to side A due to osmosis. This movement occurs as water follows the concentration gradient of sodium, but the two do not necessarily move in the same direction. Understanding the principles of diffusion and osmosis is crucial for grasping these concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of osmosis and diffusion principles
  • Knowledge of hypertonic and hypotonic solutions
  • Familiarity with selectively permeable membranes
  • Basic concepts of solute-solvent interactions
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  • Research the mechanisms of osmosis in biological systems
  • Study the effects of solute concentration on water movement
  • Learn about membrane permeability and its implications in cell biology
  • Explore the role of aquaporins in water transport across membranes
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sameeralord
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Hello everyone,

Lets say there is a membrane, which has a channel for the solute(eg sodium) and another channel for water

Now if I have a hypertonic (more sodium) solution in side A, and hypotonic (less sodium) solution in side B. Which way would water go?

* I'm very confused here diffusion and osmosis both occurring.

Does water follow sodium or sodium follows water?

Thanks :smile:
 
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Do they have to go in the same direction?
 

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