What process describes the movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane?

The movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane is best described by osmosis. This process specifically refers to the passive movement of water molecules from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, aiming to balance solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.

In a selectively permeable membrane, certain substances, like water, can move freely while others cannot, which is critical in maintaining cellular homeostasis and contributing to various biological processes. Osmosis is essential for cells to maintain their turgor pressure, which is vital for plant cells in particular, as well as for overall fluid balance in organisms.

Active transport, in contrast, involves the movement of ions or molecules against their concentration gradient and requires energy, making it a different process altogether. Diffusion generally applies to the movement of solutes rather than water specifically, and transpiration refers to the process of water movement through plants, particularly how water evaporates from the surfaces of leaves, making it a concept distinct from osmotic movement across membranes. Therefore, the concept of osmosis is integral to understanding how water moves through biological membranes.