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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes osmosis as a special kind of diffusion?
A
Osmosis is the movement of gases across a membrane from high to low pressure.
B
Osmosis is the movement of solute molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration through any membrane.
C
Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.
D
Osmosis is the active transport of ions across a membrane using energy from ATP.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of osmosis. Osmosis is a type of passive transport, meaning it does not require energy (ATP). It specifically refers to the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane.
Step 2: Recognize the driving force of osmosis. Water moves from an area of low solute concentration (high water potential) to an area of high solute concentration (low water potential) to balance solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.
Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, osmosis does not involve the movement of gases or solute molecules directly, nor does it require energy from ATP, so these options can be ruled out.
Step 4: Focus on the correct definition. Osmosis is specifically about water molecules moving across a selectively permeable membrane, driven by differences in solute concentration.
Step 5: Verify the correct answer. The correct description is: 'Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.' This matches the scientific definition of osmosis.