Multiple Choice
Which statement best defines osmosis in the context of passive transport across a selectively permeable membrane?
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9. Transport Across Membranes
Passive Transport: Diffusion and Osmosis
Multiple Choice
During osmosis across a selectively permeable membrane, in which direction will water molecules move overall?
A
Only from the hypertonic side to the isotonic side, independent of membrane permeability
B
From the side with higher solute concentration to the side with lower solute concentration
C
From the side with lower solute concentration (higher water potential) to the side with higher solute concentration (lower water potential)
D
Equally in both directions with no net movement, regardless of solute concentrations
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of osmosis, which is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of higher water potential (or lower solute concentration) to an area of lower water potential (or higher solute concentration).
Step 2: Recognize that water potential is influenced by solute concentration; higher solute concentration means lower water potential because solutes bind water molecules, reducing their free movement.
Step 3: Identify the two sides of the membrane: one with lower solute concentration (higher water potential) and one with higher solute concentration (lower water potential).
Step 4: Apply the principle that water moves to balance solute concentrations, so water molecules will move from the side with lower solute concentration to the side with higher solute concentration.
Step 5: Conclude that the net movement of water during osmosis is from the hypotonic side (lower solute concentration) to the hypertonic side (higher solute concentration), until equilibrium is reached or the membrane restricts further movement.
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