Osmosis and strawberry shortcakes

Osmosis in action.

Osmosis is the movement of liquids through a membrane, from areas of high to regions of low concentration. So, if you sprinkle sugar onto ripe strawberries, the concentration of sugar on the outside of the berries becomes very high. The juices will seep out of the strawberries’ cells, through the cell walls (the membrane), and create quite the delectable syrup. Add a few shortcakes and some whipped cream and ….

Strawberry shortcake (gluten free).

Note to self: try strawberries in the greenhouse this winter. Life sciences are next year and osmosis is a key concept.

Note #2: This is also a large part of the answer to the question of, “Why do we get thirsty when we eat salty foods?”

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