Consider the following statements
Osmosis is a process of transport of water across a semipermeable membrane ,
1. Down the water potential gradient .
2. Up the water potential gradient .
3. Actively
4. Passively
Of these statements

Options

A. 1 and 3 are correct
B. 2 and 3 are correct
C. 2 and 4 are correct
D. 1 and 4 correct

Answer

To solve the question regarding osmosis and its characteristics, we will analyze each statement provided in the question step by step.

### Step 1: Understand Osmosis
Osmosis is defined as the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane. This process is essential for maintaining the balance of water in cells and is a fundamental concept in plant biology.

**Hint:** Remember that osmosis specifically involves water movement and a semipermeable membrane.

### Step 2: Analyze Statement 1 - "Down the water potential gradient"
This statement is correct. Osmosis occurs when water moves from an area of higher water potential (less negative) to an area of lower water potential (more negative). This movement is driven by the difference in water potential.

**Hint:** Water moves from high potential to low potential, which is a key characteristic of osmosis.

### Step 3: Analyze Statement 2 - "Up the water potential gradient"
This statement is incorrect. Moving "up" the water potential gradient would mean moving from an area of lower water potential to an area of higher water potential, which is not how osmosis works.

**Hint:** Osmosis does not involve movement against the gradient; it always moves down the gradient.

### Step 4: Analyze Statement 3 - "Actively"
This statement is also incorrect. Osmosis is a passive process, meaning it does not require energy (ATP) to occur. Active transport, on the other hand, requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.

**Hint:** Remember that osmosis is a passive process, unlike active transport which requires energy.

### Step 5: Analyze Statement 4 - "Passively"
This statement is correct. Osmosis is indeed a passive transport mechanism, as it does not require energy input from the cell. Water moves through the semipermeable membrane naturally due to the concentration gradient.

**Hint:** Passive transport occurs without energy expenditure, which is a defining feature of osmosis.

### Conclusion
Based on the analysis:
- Statement 1 (Down the water potential gradient) is correct.
- Statement 2 (Up the water potential gradient) is incorrect.
- Statement 3 (Actively) is incorrect.
- Statement 4 (Passively) is correct.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 4.

### Final Answer
The correct statements regarding osmosis are: **1 and 4.**