Water moves via osmosis __________.

• A. against its concentration gradient using energy
• B. only through active transport mechanisms
• C. from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration
• D. from an area of high solute concentration to an area of low solute concentration

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand 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 does not require energy and occurs to balance solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.
2. Clarify the role of solute concentration: Water moves to dilute the area with higher solute concentration, aiming to equalize the solute concentration on both sides of the membrane.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: Review the provided choices and eliminate options that contradict the definition of osmosis. For example, osmosis does not involve active transport or energy usage, so those options can be ruled out.
4. Focus on the correct direction of water movement: Water moves from an area of low solute concentration (where there is more water relative to solute) to an area of high solute concentration (where there is less water relative to solute).
5. Select the correct answer: Based on the definition and understanding of osmosis, the correct answer is 'from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.'