What are the differences between endosmosis and exosmosis?

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