Final answer:
Aquaporins are channel proteins that facilitate rapid water transport across cell membranes, primarily to maintain the cell's water balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The membrane-associated channel that increases the permeability of the cell to water is called an aquaporin. Aquaporins are channel proteins that form pores in the cellular membrane, creating a hydrophilic channel that facilitates the rapid transport of water molecules across the membrane, bypassing the hydrophobic lipid bilayer. This allows for efficient osmosis and is crucial for maintaining the cell's water balance. All cells contain aquaporins, but they are particularly abundant in the kidney, where they play an essential role in concentrating urine and maintaining water homeostasis.