Final answer:
Osmosis is the process that occurs when water diffuses across a membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to one of higher solute concentration to equalize the solute levels on both sides.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the concentration in one area is higher than in another, the process that occurs is known as osmosis. Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a membrane, where water moves from an area of lower solute concentration to an area with higher solute concentration. This process is a crucial physiological mechanism that enables cells to regulate their internal environment and maintain homeostasis.
It is important to differentiate osmosis from other types of transport mechanisms. Active transport requires energy, often in the form of ATP, to move substances against their concentration gradient. In contrast, simple diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration without the need for energy or transport proteins.