water transport

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The directed movement of water (H2O) into, out of or within a cell, or between cells, by means of some agent such as a transporter or pore. [GOC:ai]

Water transport is a fundamental biological process essential for life. It involves the movement of water across cell membranes and throughout the body, driven by various mechanisms.

**Passive Transport:**
- **Diffusion:** Water moves from areas of high concentration to low concentration across a semi-permeable membrane.
- **Osmosis:** Water moves across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of high water potential (low solute concentration) to a region of low water potential (high solute concentration).

**Active Transport:**
- **Aquaporins:** Specialized membrane proteins that facilitate the rapid movement of water across cell membranes.

**Transport in Plants:**
- **Root Uptake:** Water enters plant roots through osmosis, driven by a difference in water potential between the soil and the root cells.
- **Xylem Transport:** Water is transported upwards from the roots to the leaves through the xylem vessels, driven by transpiration pull (evaporation of water from leaves) and root pressure.

**Transport in Animals:**
- **Blood Circulation:** Water is transported throughout the body by the circulatory system, facilitated by the heart and blood vessels.
- **Kidney Filtration:** The kidneys regulate water balance in the body by filtering blood and producing urine.

**Factors Affecting Water Transport:**
- **Concentration Gradients:** The difference in solute concentration across a membrane drives water movement.
- **Pressure Gradients:** Differences in pressure, such as root pressure or blood pressure, can facilitate water movement.
- **Temperature:** Water transport is affected by temperature, as it influences the viscosity of water and the rate of diffusion.
- **Membrane Permeability:** The permeability of cell membranes to water is crucial for water transport.

Water transport is a complex and interconnected process, involving multiple mechanisms and factors. It is essential for maintaining cell volume, regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, and removing waste products.'
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