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A selectively permeable membrane (also known as a differentially permeable membrane or a semi-permeable membrane) is permeable to the solvent but not to solutes.

In cells, the solvent is always water.

All cell membranes (such as plasma membranes and vacuole membranes) are selectively permeable.

This means that water can cross these membranes by osmosis. This will happen when the total concentration of solutes on one side of the membrane is different from that on the other side.

The process is passive (requiring no energy input) and you can think of it as being an attempt by nature to "even up" the difference. Water passes into the stronger solution, i.e. the one with the higher concentration of solutes. If equilibrium is reached, the process will stop.

One example of the importance of osmosis: mature plant cells contain a central vacuole, holding an aqueous solution of various chemical compounds. These solutes create an osmotic pressurethat attracts water, swelling the vacuole and giving the cells turgor. The turgor of cells in well-watered plants holds up soft parts like leaves. If a plant lacks water, the vacuoles shrink and the leaves wilt.

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The passive transport of water across a selectively permeable is called?

The passive transport of water across a selectively permeable membrane is called osmosis. Osmosis involves the movement of water molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, in order to equalize the solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.


What phrase best describes osmosis A process by which A the cytoplasm divides B DNA synthesizes C molecules distribute balanced by movement D selectively permeable membrane allows exchange through it?

D. Selectively permeable membrane allows exchange through it. Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.


What process - movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to an area of low concentration?

Osmosis is the process by which water moves across a selectively permeable membrane.


What is the net diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane?

Net diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane is known as osmosis. In osmosis, water moves from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration in order to equalize the solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.


What process is the diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane?

The process of water passing through a selectively permeable membrane is called osmosis. Water will move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration in order to equalize the solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.

Related Questions

Is it true if the process by which water moves across a selectively permeable membrane is called diffusion?

Diffusion is a physical process. When it is performed through a selectively permeable membrane, it is called osmosis. Thus osmosis is an appropriate word for movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane and not diffusion.


What type of membrane is required for osmosis?

A selectively permeable membrane is required for osmosis. This membrane allows the passage of water molecules but restricts the movement of solute particles based on their size and charge.


What is a selectlively permeable membrane?

The cell membrane is selectively permeable, allowing some molecules to pass through by osmosis


What is the net movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane?

Osmosis


The net movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane?

osmosis


Diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane?

it is osmosis


What occurs when only water can pass through a selectively permeable membrane?

osmosis


The passive transport of water across a selectively permeable is called?

The passive transport of water across a selectively permeable membrane is called osmosis. Osmosis involves the movement of water molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, in order to equalize the solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.


Which side of a selectively permeable membrane does osmosis exert a pressure?

It exerts pressure on the side with a higher concentration of water.


What is the special type of diffusion where the solute passes through a selectively permeable membrane?

Osmosis


The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane through aquaporins is called?

osmosis


HOW REVERSE OSMOSIS IS DIFFERENT FROM OSMOSIS?

1) Osmosis refers to the flow of water along the water potential through a selectively/differentially permeable membrane/tubing due to a difference in water potential. Reverse osmosis refers to the flow of water against the water potential through a selectively/differentially permeable membrane/tubing due to energy gained from the surroundings or an increase in pressure.