ZOL2604
Assignment 3
2025
, ZOL2604: ASSIGNMENT 3 (2025)
Physiology and Embryology Concepts
QUESTION 1 [10]
Based on the studied experiment of osmosis and diffusion, provide at least two
examples of how the concept has practical applications in nature. (10)
Answer:
Osmosis and diffusion are fundamental physiological processes that maintain
homeostasis in living organisms. Their practical applications in nature are numerous
and critical for survival.
1. Water Uptake in Plant Roots (Osmosis):
o Plant roots absorb water from the soil through osmosis. The root hair cells
have a higher solute concentration compared to the surrounding soil
water.
o Water molecules move from the soil (region of higher water potential) into
the root cells (region of lower water potential) through the semi-permeable
plasma membrane.
o This process maintains turgor pressure, which keeps the plant upright and
drives essential physiological processes such as photosynthesis and
nutrient transport.
o Application in nature: This is why plants wilt when soil is dry or saline, as
the osmotic balance is disturbed.
2. Gas Exchange in the Alveoli of Mammals (Diffusion):
o In humans and other mammals, oxygen and carbon dioxide are
exchanged in the alveoli of the lungs by diffusion.
o Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli (higher concentration) into the blood
capillaries (lower concentration), while carbon dioxide diffuses in the
Assignment 3
2025
, ZOL2604: ASSIGNMENT 3 (2025)
Physiology and Embryology Concepts
QUESTION 1 [10]
Based on the studied experiment of osmosis and diffusion, provide at least two
examples of how the concept has practical applications in nature. (10)
Answer:
Osmosis and diffusion are fundamental physiological processes that maintain
homeostasis in living organisms. Their practical applications in nature are numerous
and critical for survival.
1. Water Uptake in Plant Roots (Osmosis):
o Plant roots absorb water from the soil through osmosis. The root hair cells
have a higher solute concentration compared to the surrounding soil
water.
o Water molecules move from the soil (region of higher water potential) into
the root cells (region of lower water potential) through the semi-permeable
plasma membrane.
o This process maintains turgor pressure, which keeps the plant upright and
drives essential physiological processes such as photosynthesis and
nutrient transport.
o Application in nature: This is why plants wilt when soil is dry or saline, as
the osmotic balance is disturbed.
2. Gas Exchange in the Alveoli of Mammals (Diffusion):
o In humans and other mammals, oxygen and carbon dioxide are
exchanged in the alveoli of the lungs by diffusion.
o Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli (higher concentration) into the blood
capillaries (lower concentration), while carbon dioxide diffuses in the
