Final answer:
Water moves through aquaporins by osmosis, which is a form of facilitated diffusion that maintains cellular homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The movement of water through aquaporins occurs by the process of osmosis. Osmosis is a type of facilitated diffusion where water moves across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
While simple diffusion happens without external aid, facilitated diffusion involves transport proteins like aquaporins that form channels in cellular membranes, specifically to allow for the passage of water molecules. This process is crucial for maintaining proper cellular function and homeostasis. Aquaporins are so integral to water balance in the cells that their discovery by Peter Agre led to a Nobel Prize in Chemistry.