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Multiple Choice
How are osmosis and diffusion different?
A
Osmosis involves the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane, while diffusion involves the movement of solutes.
B
Osmosis moves solutes from high to low concentration, while diffusion moves water from low to high concentration.
C
Osmosis occurs only in living cells, while diffusion can occur in any medium.
D
Osmosis requires energy input, whereas diffusion is a passive process.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by defining osmosis: Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.
Define diffusion: Diffusion is the process by which solute molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, until equilibrium is reached.
Clarify the difference in medium: Osmosis specifically involves water and occurs across a semipermeable membrane, while diffusion can occur in any medium and involves solutes.
Discuss energy requirements: Osmosis is a passive process that does not require energy input, similar to diffusion, which is also passive and does not require energy.
Explain the biological context: Osmosis is crucial in biological systems for maintaining cell turgor and homeostasis, whereas diffusion is a fundamental process that can occur in both biological and non-biological systems.