Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Osmosis
Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This process aims to equalize solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane, and it is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis.
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Selectively Permeable Membrane
A selectively permeable membrane allows certain molecules or ions to pass through while blocking others. For osmosis to occur, the membrane must permit water molecules to move freely while restricting solute particles, creating the necessary concentration gradient that drives the movement of water.
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Concentration Gradient
A concentration gradient refers to the difference in the concentration of a substance across a space. In the context of osmosis, a gradient exists when there is a disparity in solute concentrations on either side of a membrane, prompting water to move toward the area of higher solute concentration to achieve equilibrium.
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Concentration Gradients and Diffusion