Final Answer:
The diffusion of water across semipermeable membranes is called osmosis, and the solute particles cannot cross membranes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osmosis is the process of water molecules moving from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration through a semipermeable membrane. This phenomenon is essential for maintaining the balance of water and solutes in biological systems. Semipermeable membranes selectively allow the passage of water while restricting the movement of larger solute particles, such as ions or molecules. The direction of osmosis is determined by the concentration gradient, with water moving towards higher solute concentrations to equalize the solute concentration on both sides of the membrane.
In summary, osmosis is the specific term for the diffusion of water across semipermeable membranes, and solute particles are unable to cross these membranes.