What are the factors affecting the rate of osmosis?

The 6 factors affecting the rate of osmosis are:

1. Concentration gradient: Concentration gradient refers to the difference in concentration on either side of the membrane. The greater the concentration gradient (difference in concentration), the faster the rate of osmosis. The smaller the concentration gradient, the slower the osmosis rate.  
2. Temperature: The kinetic energy of water molecules increases with increasing temperature, resulting in faster movement and faster rate of diffusion. Hence higher temperature = faster rate of osmosis. 
3. Surface area: The larger the surface area of the semi-permeable membrane, the faster the rate of osmosis. This is because the larger surface area of the membrane allows more molecules to pass through at any given time. 
4. Pressure: An increase in pressure pushes molecules faster across a low concentration, increasing the rate of osmosis. Greater the pressure, faster the osmosis rate. 
5. Water Potential: Water potential is a measure of the potential energy of water molecules or the tendency of water molecules to move out of a solution. The greater the water potential gradients, the faster the rate of osmosis.  
6. Presence of aquaporins: Aquaporins are channel proteins that span the length of the cell membrane and are selective for water molecules. They allow water molecules to pass through the cell membrane passively without the need for energy. The larger the number of aquaporins present in the cell membrane, the faster the rate of osmosis.