Final answer:
Passive processes of membrane transport, which include osmosis and diffusion, involve the movement of molecules across the cell membrane without energy input from the cell. Facilitated diffusion is used for substances like glucose, and osmosis can involve aquaporins for water movement. Phagocytosis and the transport of large molecules are not considered passive processes. The correct option is c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question ponders the passive processes of membrane transport. The correct option is that passive processes include osmosis and diffusion, as they involve the movement of substances across the cell membrane without the need for energy input by the cell.
These substances move down their concentration gradient, which means they travel from an area with higher concentration to an area with lower concentration, utilizing processes such as simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis.
For instance, gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide can easily pass through the cell membrane by simple diffusion. On the other hand, substances like glucose and ions require facilitated diffusion, a form of passive transport where specific carrier proteins help these molecules to move across the membrane efficiently.
Water can also move through the cell membrane via osmosis, passing through specialized channels called aquaporins sometimes.
It's important to note that passive transport does not involve the use of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Processes like phagocytosis and other forms of active transport require energy, often in the form of ATP, and are not considered passive processes.
Also, passive transport does not typically enable large molecules to pass through; large molecules typically require active transport mechanisms. The correct option is c.