Osmosis is best defined as which of the following processes?

• A. The movement of water across a membrane from higher solute concentration to lower solute concentration until equilibrium is reached
• B. The movement of solute molecules down their concentration gradient across a membrane using a specific carrier protein and ATP
• C. The net movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from lower solute concentration (higher water potential) to higher solute concentration (lower water potential)
• D. The net movement of any molecules from a region of higher hydrostatic pressure to lower hydrostatic pressure through a membrane

Answer: (C)