Multiple Choice
In passive transport, what is the primary driving force for simple diffusion of a solute across a membrane?
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9. Transport Across Membranes
Passive Transport: Diffusion and Osmosis
Multiple Choice
In passive transport, water moves via osmosis from a region of ________ to a region of ________ across a selectively permeable membrane.
A
Higher solute concentration (lower water potential) to lower solute concentration (higher water potential)
B
Higher solute concentration to higher solute concentration until water concentrations become equal
C
Lower solute concentration to lower solute concentration until solute concentrations become unequal
D
Lower solute concentration (higher water potential) to higher solute concentration (lower water potential)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of osmosis: Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of higher water potential to an area of lower water potential.
Recall that water potential is inversely related to solute concentration: A higher solute concentration means lower water potential, and a lower solute concentration means higher water potential.
Identify the direction of water movement: Water moves from the region with lower solute concentration (higher water potential) to the region with higher solute concentration (lower water potential).
Apply this to the problem: Since water moves to balance solute concentrations, it will move from the side with lower solute concentration to the side with higher solute concentration.
Conclude that the correct statement is: In passive transport via osmosis, water moves from a region of lower solute concentration (higher water potential) to a region of higher solute concentration (lower water potential) across a selectively permeable membrane.
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