Absorption of Water by Cells

Introduction:
Cells require water for their metabolic activities. The absorption of water by cells is a crucial process that takes place through osmosis and imbibition.

Osmosis:
Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration across a semi-permeable membrane. In the case of cells, the plasma membrane acts as a semi-permeable membrane. Water molecules move from an area of high water concentration outside the cell to an area of low water concentration inside the cell.

Imbibition:
Imbibition is the process by which water is absorbed by a solid substance, such as a cell wall or a seed coat. The water is absorbed by the substance due to the attractive forces between the water molecules and the molecules of the substance.

Both Osmosis and Imbibition:
Cells absorb water through both osmosis and imbibition. The plasma membrane of the cell acts as a semi-permeable membrane, allowing water molecules to move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration through osmosis. At the same time, the cell wall of the plant cell also absorbs water through imbibition.

Conclusion:
Thus, cells absorb water through both osmosis and imbibition. This process is necessary for the metabolic activities of the cells and for the maintenance of the turgor pressure of the plant cells.