Which of the following best describes the process of osmosis in an animal cell?

• A. Movement of water molecules from a region of higher solute concentration to a region of lower solute concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.
• B. Movement of solute molecules from a region of higher solute concentration to a region of lower solute concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.
• C. Movement of solute molecules from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.
• D. Movement of water molecules from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of osmosis: Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.
2. Identify the key components in osmosis: The process involves water molecules, a semi-permeable membrane, and a concentration gradient of solutes.
3. Recognize the direction of water movement: In osmosis, water moves towards the area with higher solute concentration to balance the solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.
4. Distinguish between solute and solvent: In the context of osmosis, water is the solvent that moves, while solutes are the substances dissolved in the water.
5. Apply the concept to the options given: The correct description of osmosis in an animal cell is the movement of water molecules from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.