Which term describes the diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane?

• A. Osmosis
• B. Framing Square
• C. Reciprocating Saw
• D. Measuring Tape

Answer: (A)

The diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane is osmosis. Osmosis describes how water moves across a membrane that allows water to pass but restricts many solutes, typically from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This movement helps balance solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane and can influence cell turgor and volume. The key idea is that water, not solutes, is the substance diffusing, and the membrane’s selective permeability drives the directional flow. The other terms refer to tools (a framing square, a reciprocating saw, and a measuring tape) and have nothing to do with the biological process of water movement across membranes.