Question

to function properly, a cell must maintain an optimal water balance. cell membranes are permeable to water, so a cells water balance is affected by its surroundings. water molecules pass through the cell membrane via a process known as osmosis. this video shows water molecules crossing the cell membrane via osmosis. complete the paragraph. at the start of the video, the concentration of water molecules outside the cell is than it is inside the cell. the water molecules cross the cell membrane in water molecules move from outside the cell to the inside. eventually, the concentration outside the cell is the concentration inside the cell.

Explanation:

Step1: Observe the dot - density

From the image, we can see that there are fewer blue dots (representing water molecules) outside the cell compared to inside at the start. So the concentration of water molecules outside the cell is lower than inside.

Step2: Recall osmosis principle

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of higher water - molecule concentration to an area of lower water - molecule concentration. So water molecules cross the cell membrane from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Step3: Understand equilibrium

Eventually, through the process of osmosis, the concentration of water molecules outside the cell will be equal to the concentration inside the cell when equilibrium is reached.

Answer:

lower; from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration; equal to