Question

Diffusion and osmosis are the same except that in osmosis there is

• A. A cell wall in between
• B. A selective membrane in between
• C. A freely permeable membrane in between
• D. An endless flow of water into a cell

Answer 1

The correct option is B

A selective membrane in between

The correct option is B.
Explanation of the correct option:

1. Osmosis is a process of passive diffusion that helps in the movement of molecules of solvent.
2. This movement ranges from high concentration to low concentrations through the selectively permeable membrane.
3. Diffusion is the net movement of molecules from a high concentration area to a low concentration area.

Explanation of incorrect options:

Option A. Cell walls are not selectively permeable but permeable. Thus, osmosis does not take place through the cell wall.

Option C. Osmosis takes place through semipermeable or selective permeable membranes only, thus it is an incorrect option.

Option D. Osmosis allows only the flow of water unless there is an equilibrium of concentration between both sides of the membrane.

Final Answer: Diffusion and osmosis are the same except that in osmosis there is a selective membrane in between.