Which of the following are true regarding osmosis? Select all that apply. (NCLEX/HESI/TEAS)
a. It is driven by differences in solute concentration.
b. It is the same as simple diffusion except it involves water.
c. It involves a selectively permeable membrane.
d. It requires energy to occur.
e. It requires specific channels.
f. Water moves from areas of high solute to areas of low solute.
g. Salt moves from high-water to low-water areas.
h. Water moves from areas of low solute to areas of high solute.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that osmosis is a type of passive transport, which means it does not require energy.
2. Recognize that osmosis specifically involves the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane.
3. Identify that osmosis is driven by differences in solute concentration, where water moves to balance solute concentrations on either side of the membrane.
4. Clarify that in osmosis, water moves from areas of low solute concentration to areas of high solute concentration, not the other way around.
5. Note that osmosis does not require specific channels, unlike facilitated diffusion which involves specific transport proteins.

Key Concepts

Osmosis

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane, driven by differences in solute concentration. Water moves from areas of low solute concentration (high water potential) to areas of high solute concentration (low water potential) until equilibrium is reached. This process is crucial for maintaining cell turgor and overall homeostasis in biological systems.

Selectively Permeable Membrane

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules or ions to pass through while blocking others. In the context of osmosis, this membrane permits water to move freely while restricting the passage of solutes. This property is essential for regulating the internal environment of cells and facilitating the osmotic balance.

Energy Requirement in Osmosis

Osmosis is a passive process that does not require energy (ATP) to occur, as it relies on the natural movement of water down its concentration gradient. This distinguishes it from active transport processes, which do require energy to move substances against their concentration gradient. Understanding this concept is vital for differentiating between various transport mechanisms in cells.