Question

What is the term that describes the movement of solutes from a higher concentration area to a lower concentration area?

1) Osmosis
2) Diffusion
3) Dialysate
4) Ultrafiltration

Answer 1

The movement of solutes from a higher concentration area to a lower concentration area is called diffusion. Osmosis is a special type of diffusion that specifically refers to the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane, driven by a concentration gradient of solute.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term that describes the movement of solutes from a higher concentration area to a lower concentration area is known as diffusion. In the context of biology, diffusion is a vital process whereby molecules, including solutes, move to equalize their concentration across a space.

For example, molecules spread out within a cell or across a cell membrane until equilibrium is reached, moving "down the concentration gradient." Another related process specific to water is osmosis, which is the diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration (high water concentration) to an area of high solute concentration (low water concentration). This is critical for maintaining cellular integrity and adapting to changes in the extracellular environment. Water usually moves through aquaporin proteins that facilitate this process.