How a Solute Concentration Gradient Affects Osmosis Across Semi-Permeable Membranes? By Josie Lockwood, MYP 4 Research Question: The topic that I will be investigating is: how does a solute concentration gradient affect osmosis across semi-permeable membranes? Introduction: The experiment that I will carry out is relevant as it helps us understand everyday concepts within the world: specifically, diffusion and osmosis. Before we consider the process, we must look at the history of these concepts. Osmosis was discovered and named by French physiologist Henri Dutrochet in 1826. Diffusion was first explored by Robert Brown in 1827. His ideas were developed by Albert Einstein. Diffusion is the process that takes place when molecules move from a region of their higher concentration to a region of their lower concentration, until both regions are equal. Not only does it allow molecules to enter cells, but also removes waste products. Osmosis is the diffusion of water. This means that osmosis refers specifically to the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane down a water concentration gradient. Therefore, completing this experiment will allow us to come to a conclusion as to how much a solute concentration gradient affects osmosis across semi-permeable membranes, and how we can apply what we have learnt to the world surrounding us. Relation to Semi-Permeable Membranes within the Context of our Experiment: In this experiment, we will explore the specific movement of