When water rushes into a plant cell's vacuole, is this process an example of diffusion or osmosis?

• A. Active transport
• B. Facilitated diffusion
• C. Diffusion
• D. Osmosis

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions: Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Osmosis is a specific type of diffusion that involves the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane.
2. Identify the process: In the context of a plant cell, water moving into the vacuole is moving across the cell membrane, which is semipermeable.
3. Recognize the role of the vacuole: The vacuole in a plant cell stores water and maintains turgor pressure, which is crucial for the cell's structure and function.
4. Determine the type of transport: Since water is moving across a semipermeable membrane into the vacuole, this is a classic example of osmosis, not active transport or facilitated diffusion.
5. Conclude the process: The movement of water into the plant cell's vacuole is driven by osmosis, as it involves the passive movement of water molecules through a semipermeable membrane.