AP BIOLOGY

THE CELL

STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE CELL

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
What is the term for the diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane?
A
osmosis
B
equilibrium
C
transport
D
isotonic
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Osmosis is a special type of diffusion, namely the diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane. Water readily crosses a membrane down its potential gradient from high to low potential (Fig. 19.3) [4]. Osmotic pressure is the force required to prevent water movement across the semipermeable membrane.

Detailed explanation-2: -Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. Osmosis helps regulate the flow of water in and out of cells, which is crucial to their function.

Detailed explanation-3: -In both diffusion and osmosis, particles move from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration. Diffusion can occur in any mixture, including one that includes a semipermeable membrane, while osmosis always occurs across a semipermeable membrane.

Detailed explanation-4: -Osmosis and diffusion are the two types of passive transport which play a vital role in moving molecules in and out of the cell.

There is 1 question to complete.