Which process describes the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane?

Which process describes the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane?

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

Answer: (C)

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane is specifically termed osmosis. This process is characterized by the passive movement of water molecules from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. The semipermeable membrane allows the water molecules to pass through while restricting the movement of solute particles, thus creating a concentration gradient. Osmosis is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis, as it regulates the water balance between different compartments within biological systems. In contrast, diffusion refers to the movement of solutes rather than water, while active transport involves the movement of substances against their concentration gradient, typically requiring energy input. Exocytosis is a mechanism for transporting large molecules or particles out of a cell through vesicles, which is unrelated to the passive movement of water.

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane is specifically termed osmosis. This process is characterized by the passive movement of water molecules from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. The semipermeable membrane allows the water molecules to pass through while restricting the movement of solute particles, thus creating a concentration gradient.

Osmosis is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis, as it regulates the water balance between different compartments within biological systems. In contrast, diffusion refers to the movement of solutes rather than water, while active transport involves the movement of substances against their concentration gradient, typically requiring energy input. Exocytosis is a mechanism for transporting large molecules or particles out of a cell through vesicles, which is unrelated to the passive movement of water.