Osmosis and Water Loss: Understanding How Drinking Seawater Affects Cells

Drinking sea water causes the loss of water from cells lining stomach and intestines is an example of Osmosis.

Explanation:

In osmosis, water moves from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration through a semipermeable membrane. Sea water has a higher concentration of dissolved salts compared to the cells lining the stomach and intestines. This creates a concentration gradient, with water molecules moving out of the cells and into the sea water in an attempt to equalise the concentrations. This loss of water causes dehydration and can lead to electrolyte imbalances in the body.