Question

A difference in solute concentrations on either side of a membrane leads to osmosis, the passive movement of water across a membrane from a region of low solute concentration (where the water concentration is high) to a region of high solute concentration (where the water concentration is low). This process is best described as:

A) Active transport
B) Facilitated diffusion
C) Endocytosis
D) Bulk transport

Answer 1

Osmosis is the passive movement of water across a membrane from an area with a lower solute concentration to one with a higher solute concentration, and is a form of facilitated diffusion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process described in the question is osmosis, which is the passive movement of water across a membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. This movement of water occurs without the expenditure of energy and seeks to equalize solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane. Therefore, the correct answer is Facilitated diffusion, which involves the transportation of substances across a cell membrane along a concentration gradient with the aid of carrier proteins.