Question

select the statement(s) that accurately describe diffusion or osmosis. osmosis involves the movement of water across a cell membrane toward an area of higher concentration of solutes and requires atp. osmosis involves the movement of water across a cell membrane toward an area of high concentration of solutes resulting in an increase of water and the spreading out of solutes. diffusion involves the movement of water across the cell membrane to increase particle or solute levels inside the cell. diffusion involves the movement of particles or molecules across the cell membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. osmosis involves the movement

Explanation:

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi - permeable membrane (like a cell membrane) from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, and it is a passive process (no ATP required). Diffusion is the movement of particles or molecules (not just water) from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration across a membrane. The first option is wrong as osmosis is passive. The second option is wrong as it misrepresents the nature of osmosis in terms of solute spreading. The third option is wrong as diffusion is not just about water movement to increase solute levels. The fourth option correctly describes diffusion.

Answer:

Diffusion involves the movement of particles or molecules across the cell membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.