What are the differences between endosmosis and exosmosis?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Endosmosis

Exosmosis

Definition

Is the movement of the solvent from the surrounding environment toward the inside of a cell or substance

Is the movement of the solvent out of the cell into the surrounding environment

Direction of water flow

Water moves into the cell

Water moves out of the cell

Type of solution

Occurs when a cell or substance is placed in a hypotonic solution

Occurs when a cell or substance is placed in a hypertonic solution

Solute concentration of the surrounding environment

Solute concentration of the surrounding environment is lower than the solute concentration inside the cell

Solute concentration of the surrounding environment is greater than the solute concentration inside the cell

Water Potential

Water potential of the cytosol is lower than that of the surrounding environment

Water potential of the cytosol is greater than that of the surrounding environment

Fate of cells

Excessive water intake can cause cells to swell and potentially burst

Excessive loss of water can cause cells to shrink or contract

Examples

Raisins swell when placed in plain water 
Plant roots absorb water from the soil
Transport of water from roots to the xylem

Raisins shrink when placed in a strong salt solution
Water flows from the root hair cells to the cortical cells of the root

Basis of differentiation	Endosmosis	Exosmosis
Definition	Is the movement of the solvent from the surrounding environment toward the inside of a cell or substance	Is the movement of the solvent out of the cell into the surrounding environment
Direction of water flow	Water moves into the cell	Water moves out of the cell
Type of solution	Occurs when a cell or substance is placed in a hypotonic solution	Occurs when a cell or substance is placed in a hypertonic solution
Solute concentration of the surrounding environment	Solute concentration of the surrounding environment is lower than the solute concentration inside the cell	Solute concentration of the surrounding environment is greater than the solute concentration inside the cell
Water Potential	Water potential of the cytosol is lower than that of the surrounding environment	Water potential of the cytosol is greater than that of the surrounding environment
Fate of cells	Excessive water intake can cause cells to swell and potentially burst	Excessive loss of water can cause cells to shrink or contract
Examples	Raisins swell when placed in plain water Plant roots absorb water from the soil Transport of water from roots to the xylem	Raisins shrink when placed in a strong salt solution Water flows from the root hair cells to the cortical cells of the root