Question

Which statement best describes the movement of water molecules in osmosis?

A. From a dilute to a more concentrated solution across a membrane
B. From a concentrated solution to a dilute solution across a membrane
C. From a dilute to a concentrated solution across a membrane using energy from ATP
D. From a concentrated solution to a dilute solution using energy from ATP.

Answer 1

The correct statement for osmosis is that water molecules move from a region of low solute concentration to a region of high solute concentration across a membrane, facilitated by aquaporins. This process is passive and does not require ATP.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that best describes the movement of water molecules in osmosis is 'From a dilute solution to a more concentrated solution across a membrane'. Osmosis involves the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration (lower solute concentration) to an area of lower water concentration (higher solute concentration). This movement does not require energy from ATP as it is a passive process. The presence of aquaporins in cellular membranes facilitates this transport of water.

Osmosis is important for maintaining cellular integrity and adapting to changes in solute concentration in the extracellular environment. The process continues until the solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane are equal, leading to an isotonic situation where there is no net movement of water.