👉 In biology, assimilation refers to the process by which a cell or organism absorbs nutrients from its environment. This is an important step in the growth and development of plants and animals.
The process of assimilation occurs through several stages:
1.
Nutrient uptake
: The first stage involves the absorption of water and minerals into the cell. This occurs through the action of enzymes called transporters, such as aquaporins or water channels.
2.
Hydration
: Once nutrients are in the cell