Question

Osmosis, the diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane, is a form of active transport because active transport methods move substances against a concentration gradient and requires the expenditure of metabolic energy.

a) True
b) False

Answer 1

The statement is false; osmosis is passive transport, not active transport, and occurs without the expenditure of metabolic energy, facilitated by concentration gradients and proteins like aquaporins.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that osmosis is a form of active transport is false. Osmosis is actually a type of passive transport. It is the diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration.

This process occurs according to the water's concentration gradient across the membrane and does not require the expenditure of metabolic energy. Active transport, on the other hand, involves moving substances against their concentration gradient and does require energy, often in the form of ATP.

In contrast, osmosis relies on the concentration gradient to facilitate the movement of water without external energy, and is often assisted by proteins such as aquaporins, which facilitate the transport of water through the cell membrane.