Which of these is the best definition for osmosis?
1. The diffusion of water water through a partially permeable membrane from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution up a concentration gradient
2. The net movement of particle from an area of low concentration to a high concentration.
3. The diffusion of a gas through a partially permeable membrane from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution down a concentration gradient
4. The diffusion of water water through a partially permeable membrane from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution down a concentration gradient.
The best definition for osmosis is option 1: The diffusion of water through a partially permeable membrane from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution up a concentration gradient.
The best definition for osmosis is option 1: The diffusion of water through a partially permeable membrane from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution up a concentration gradient.
The best definition for osmosis is option 1: "The diffusion of water through a partially permeable membrane from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution up a concentration gradient."
To understand why, let's break down the definition and explain the process of osmosis:
1. Osmosis involves the diffusion of water: Diffusion is the process where molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. In osmosis, this diffusion specifically occurs with water molecules.
2. It occurs through a partially permeable membrane: A partially permeable membrane is a barrier that allows certain substances to pass through while restricting the passage of others. In the context of osmosis, this membrane allows water molecules to pass but not other solute particles.
3. It happens from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution: In osmosis, water moves from an area of higher water concentration (dilute solution) to an area of lower water concentration (concentrated solution). This movement aims to equalize the concentration of solutes on both sides of the membrane.
4. It goes up a concentration gradient: A concentration gradient refers to the difference in concentration between two regions. In osmosis, water moves against the concentration gradient, from a lower solute concentration to a higher solute concentration.
Therefore, option 1 accurately describes the key components and direction of water movement in the process of osmosis, making it the best definition.