Question

6. Following are a few definitions of osmosis. Read
carefully and select the correct definition

• A. (a) Movement of water molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration through a semipermeable membrane
  
• B. (b) Movement of solvent molecules from its
  higher concentration to lower concentration
  
• C. (c) Movement of solvent molecules from higher concentration to lower concentration of solution through a permeable membrane
• D. (d) Movement of solute molecules from lower concentration to higher concentration of solution through a semipermeable membrane.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

(a) Movement of water molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration through a semipermeable membrane

Solution

(a) Movement of water molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration through a semipermeable membrane.

Explanation of the correct option

Definition and features

(1) Osmosis is the movement of water from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration through a semipermeable membrane.

(2) It is a type of passive transport that occurs through a semipermeable membrane.

(3) It does not involve energy usage since it occurs along the concentration gradient.

Explanation of the incorrect option

(1) Movement of solvent molecules from their higher concentration to lower concentration is called active transport.

(2) Permeable membrane allows all the substances to pass through it including solute and solvent molecules.

(3) Movement of solute molecules from a lower concentration to a higher concentration of solution through a semipermeable membrane is called active transport.

Concluding statement

The correct definition of osmosis is “ Movement of solute molecules from lower concentration to a higher concentration of solution through a semipermeable membrane”.