What process involves the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from higher to lower water potential?

What process involves the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from higher to lower water potential?

• A. Physical Factor
• B. Primary Productivity
• C. Osmosis
• D. Photosynthesis

Answer: (C)

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from higher to lower water potential. Water potential reflects how freely water molecules can move, combining solute effects and pressure; water moves toward the side with lower water potential (more solute or higher pressure opposing flow). The membrane lets water pass but not solutes, so water flows down this gradient until the potentials equilibrate, often generating a hydrostatic pressure that balances further movement. This concept helps explain how cells gain or lose water in different environments, such as freshwater versus marine settings. The other terms describe different biological processes and don't portray water moving across membranes.

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from higher to lower water potential. Water potential reflects how freely water molecules can move, combining solute effects and pressure; water moves toward the side with lower water potential (more solute or higher pressure opposing flow). The membrane lets water pass but not solutes, so water flows down this gradient until the potentials equilibrate, often generating a hydrostatic pressure that balances further movement. This concept helps explain how cells gain or lose water in different environments, such as freshwater versus marine settings. The other terms describe different biological processes and don't portray water moving across membranes.