What is the process of osmosis?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of osmosis: Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane.
2. Identify the direction of water movement: In osmosis, water moves from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.
3. Recognize the role of the selectively permeable membrane: This membrane allows only certain molecules, like water, to pass through while blocking others, such as solute molecules.
4. Differentiate osmosis from diffusion: Unlike diffusion, which involves the movement of solute molecules, osmosis specifically involves the movement of water molecules.
5. Apply the concept to real-world scenarios: Consider how osmosis affects cells in different environments, such as plant cells in saltwater, where water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink.