3.4 - Movement of Substances across a Plasma Membrane and its Application in Daily Life

Osmosis process happens in everyday life and its application has contributed greatly in food preservation. Thanks to osmosis, pickles and jams can be stored for a long period of time. High amount of salt and sugar act as natural preservatives for the food. The hypertonic solution is not optimal for bacterial growth. Bacteria cells easily lose water and are killed by dehydration.

• Rehydration

  • Rehydration drinks help to recover water and electrolytes in people with diarrhea.
  • Isotonic drinks help athletes to recover water and electrolytes after exercise.
  • Saline solutions are isotonic to blood plasma. Used to clean wounds, clear sinuses or rehydrate the patients.

• Liposomes

  • Synthesized vesicles that contain aqueous solution surrounded by phospholipid bilayer.
  • Used to transport drugs to targeted cells.

• Reverse Osmosis

  • A water purification process to produce drinking water.
  • Water is pushed under pressure through a semi-permeable membrane to remove the contaminants.