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Multiple Choice
If a cell is placed in salt water, water leaves the cell by which process?
A
Osmosis
B
Active transport
C
Endocytosis
D
Facilitated diffusion
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
Step 2: Analyze the scenario in the problem. The cell is placed in salt water, which has a higher solute concentration (salt) compared to the inside of the cell. This creates a concentration gradient.
Step 3: Determine the direction of water movement. Water will move out of the cell to balance the solute concentration on both sides of the membrane. This movement occurs through osmosis.
Step 4: Review the other options provided in the question. Active transport involves energy and moves substances against their concentration gradient, which is not relevant here. Endocytosis is the process of engulfing materials into the cell, and facilitated diffusion involves the passive transport of molecules other than water with the help of proteins.
Step 5: Conclude that osmosis is the correct process for water leaving the cell in this scenario, as it matches the description of water movement due to a concentration gradient.