How Does Water Enter a Cell?

Water, water everywhere

Water, more than seventy percent of our body, is very important. Each living cell in our body is made of many substances, such as salts or sugars, to allow it to function. Water moves in and out of the cell based on the location of these substances.

Knowing Where to Go

Imagine a crowded art exhibit. If there is one particular piece of art with many people around it, more people will come over to see it as well. This is the same situation with the movement of water. If there are more substances inside of the cell than outside, water will move into the cell, causing it to swell. The converse is true also in that if the majority of the substances are outside of the cell, water will move outside of the cell, causing it to shrink.

The Whole Picture

In most cases, the amount of substances and water inside and outside the cell are equal, creating an ideal balance. Only when substances are found in an unequal balance will the water move accordingly.