How does the concentration of solute particles in a cell's environment affect the movement of water across the cell membrane?

• A. The concentration of solute particles has no effect on water movement across the membrane.
• B. Water moves from areas of low solute concentration to areas of high solute concentration by osmosis.
• C. Solute particles move freely across the membrane, but water does not.
• D. Water moves from areas of high solute concentration to areas of low solute concentration by osmosis.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. This process occurs to balance the concentration of solutes on both sides of the membrane.
2. Step 2: Clarify the role of solute particles. Solute particles generally do not move freely across the cell membrane unless specific transport mechanisms are involved. Instead, water moves to balance the solute concentration.
3. Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the problem. The correct answer should align with the principle of osmosis, which states that water moves from areas of low solute concentration to areas of high solute concentration.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect statements. For example, the statement 'The concentration of solute particles has no effect on water movement across the membrane' is incorrect because solute concentration directly influences osmosis. Similarly, 'Water moves from areas of high solute concentration to areas of low solute concentration by osmosis' is incorrect because it contradicts the definition of osmosis.
5. Step 5: Confirm the correct answer. The correct statement is: 'Water moves from areas of low solute concentration to areas of high solute concentration by osmosis.' This aligns with the biological principle of osmosis and explains how water movement is influenced by solute concentration.