Question

multiple select question
select all that apply
which of the following are true statements regarding osmosis?
biological membranes have pumps that move water in and out of the cell.
water molecules will move across the membrane toward an area of lower solute concentration.
the concentrations of water will tend to equalize on each side of the membrane.
water molecules will move across the membrane toward an area of higher solute concentration.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: Biological membranes do not have pumps for water movement in osmosis; water moves via osmosis (passive transport), not active transport with pumps. So this is false.
2. Analyze the second option: In osmosis, water moves toward higher solute concentration (to dilute it), not lower. So this is false.
3. Analyze the third option: Osmosis aims to equalize water (and solute - related water potential) concentrations on both sides of the membrane. So this is true.
4. Analyze the fourth option: Water moves to the area of higher solute concentration to balance the solute - water ratio (since higher solute means lower water concentration, water moves there to equalize). So this is true.

Answer:

C. The concentrations of water will tend to equalize on each side of the membrane.
D. Water molecules will move across the membrane toward an area of higher solute concentration.