Question

Diffusion

1. Naturally, in what direction does water moves?

2. What happens when you have a higher solute on side of

Answer 1

Osmosis is the diffusion of water from an area with a higher concentration of water (or lower solute concentration) to an area with a lower concentration of water (or higher solute concentration) across a semipermeable membrane, to equalize solute concentrations.

Step-by-step explanation:

Osmosis and Water Movement

Osmosis is a special case of diffusion involving the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane. Naturally, water moves from an area of high concentration to one of low water concentration, or equivalently, from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. If you place a solution with a higher solute concentration on one side of a semipermeable membrane, water will move across the membrane to that side, attempting to equalize the solute concentrations on both sides.

This process is crucial for maintaining cellular integrity and allows cells to adapt to changes in solute concentration in their environment. Furthermore, water can move readily across most membranes, partly due to the presence of aquaporins, which facilitate the transport of water molecules while limiting the diffusion of solutes.