close
test_template

How Fishes Use Osmosis Process

Human-Written
download print

About this sample

About this sample

close
Human-Written

Words: 456 |

Page: 1|

3 min read

Published: Mar 14, 2019

Words: 456|Page: 1|3 min read

Published: Mar 14, 2019

A Fin-astic Idea

As we discuss osmosis and how it channels water in and out of the cell going towards the higher areas of solutes, we find ourselves in a predicament. A question arises that makes us really wonder. Why don’t freshwater fish explode, and saltwater fish shrivel up? It’s a very good question to ask because if osmosis was doing its job correctly that would be happening, wouldn’t it? Through careful research, we find that Fish do in fact use osmosis and osmoregulation.

We know that in osmosis water moves from lower areas to higher areas of solutes and water always will have a net movement toward the solution of higher osmotic pressure until it reaches its equilibrium. But we also know that Fish may not always be in isotonic environments so they are in need of osmoregulation.

This brings us to the most important information. Osmoregulation does what it says in the name it regulates osmosis, by controlling the balance of water/salt concentrations for fish to adapt to their environments. In freshwater, fish are hypertonic to their water environment and therefore they have a gill membrane that diffuses water into their blood. Freshwater fish require energy to regulate the ion loss and fluid uptake to keep water moving. When water moves toward the higher osmotic pressure of the blood, sodium, and chloride will diffuse out of the fish. This will move their concentration gradients to the external environment.

To counteract the effects of osmosis freshwater fish’s kidneys will continually produce large amounts of urine. So fish use the bathroom a lot. The kidneys will also all some salts to be lost in the urine. If the kidneys are damaged by a freshwater fish, it will surely lead to death. The reason being is that they have lost the ability of osmoregulation.

Pretty much the same thing happens to saltwater fish. They will excrete excess salts to keep the balance in their hypertonic environment. Marine fish produce gill which is made up of Na+/K+ ATPase. This is an enzyme that helps them get rid of their excess salt. The salt builds up when they drink seawater. Like the freshwater fish, they require energy. For them, it’s to pump all the excess sodium out of their gills. Also, like the freshwater fish, their kidneys are used for the purpose of selecting filter out divalent ions to excrete.

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

Thankfully fish have been able to adapt and mutate to better fit their environment or we would not be able to enjoy delicious sushi. Without osmoregulation, the world would be down a lot of meat, but luckily the ability to do this is given to the fish to help them live in their watery home.

Image of Alex Wood
This essay was reviewed by
Alex Wood

Cite this Essay

How Fishes Use Osmosis Process. (2019, March 12). GradesFixer. Retrieved December 8, 2024, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/how-fishes-use-osmosis-process/
“How Fishes Use Osmosis Process.” GradesFixer, 12 Mar. 2019, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/how-fishes-use-osmosis-process/
How Fishes Use Osmosis Process. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/how-fishes-use-osmosis-process/> [Accessed 8 Dec. 2024].
How Fishes Use Osmosis Process [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2019 Mar 12 [cited 2024 Dec 8]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/how-fishes-use-osmosis-process/
copy
Keep in mind: This sample was shared by another student.
  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Write my essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

close

Where do you want us to send this sample?

    By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    close

    Be careful. This essay is not unique

    This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

    Download this Sample

    Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

    close

    Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

    close

    Thanks!

    Please check your inbox.

    We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

    clock-banner-side

    Get Your
    Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

    exit-popup-close
    We can help you get a better grade and deliver your task on time!
    • Instructions Followed To The Letter
    • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
    • Unique And Plagiarism Free
    Order your paper now