1776-1847

French physiologist who discovered osmosis. He observed the diffusion of a solvent through a semi-permeable membrane, calling the process osmosis. In the area of plant physiology, Dutrochet recognized the significance of green pigment in the use of carbon dioxide, investigated the mechanisms of respiration, light sensitivity, and geotropism, and showed that internal plant transport involves osmosis. He demonstrated that mushrooms are the reproductive bodies of the mycelium. Dutrochet was among the first to recognize the importance of an organism's individual cells.