Which process describes the movement of water through a semi-permeable membrane?

Which process describes the movement of water through a semi-permeable membrane?

• A. Diffusion
• B. Osmosis
• C. Active transport
• D. Filtration

Answer: (B)

The movement of water through a semi-permeable membrane is specifically termed osmosis. This process occurs when water molecules move from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, aiming to equalize the solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane. Semi-permeable membranes allow water molecules to pass through, but restrict the movement of solutes, which facilitates the concentration gradient that drives osmosis. This is crucial in biological systems, as it helps maintain cell turgor pressure and balances nutrient and waste concentrations inside and outside of cells. While diffusion involves the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, it is not limited to water and does not specifically denote the selective nature of a semi-permeable membrane regarding solutes. Active transport is an energy-dependent process that moves molecules against their concentration gradient, which does not apply to the passive process of osmosis. Filtration, on the other hand, typically involves the movement of fluids through a barrier due to pressure and may or may not occur through a semi-permeable membrane, but it is not specifically defined by the selective movement of water. Thus, osmosis clearly describes the specific process involved in the movement of water across

The movement of water through a semi-permeable membrane is specifically termed osmosis. This process occurs when water molecules move from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, aiming to equalize the solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.

Semi-permeable membranes allow water molecules to pass through, but restrict the movement of solutes, which facilitates the concentration gradient that drives osmosis. This is crucial in biological systems, as it helps maintain cell turgor pressure and balances nutrient and waste concentrations inside and outside of cells.

While diffusion involves the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, it is not limited to water and does not specifically denote the selective nature of a semi-permeable membrane regarding solutes. Active transport is an energy-dependent process that moves molecules against their concentration gradient, which does not apply to the passive process of osmosis. Filtration, on the other hand, typically involves the movement of fluids through a barrier due to pressure and may or may not occur through a semi-permeable membrane, but it is not specifically defined by the selective movement of water. Thus, osmosis clearly describes the specific process involved in the movement of water across