Which of the following best describes the process of osmosis?

• A. The movement of solute molecules from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration through a semipermeable membrane.
• B. The movement of water molecules from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration through a semipermeable membrane.
• C. The movement of water molecules from a region of higher solute concentration to a region of lower solute concentration through a semipermeable membrane.
• D. The movement of solute molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration through a semipermeable membrane.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of osmosis: Osmosis is the movement of solvent molecules, typically water, across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.
2. Identify the key components involved in osmosis: These include the solvent (usually water), the solute, and the semipermeable membrane that allows only the solvent molecules to pass through.
3. Recognize the direction of movement: In osmosis, water molecules move towards the area with higher solute concentration to balance the concentration on both sides of the membrane.
4. Distinguish osmosis from diffusion: Diffusion involves the movement of solute molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, whereas osmosis specifically involves the movement of solvent molecules.
5. Apply the concept to the given options: The correct description of osmosis is the movement of water molecules from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration through a semipermeable membrane.