Which statements relate correctly for imbibition and osmosis?

Options

A. Water movement is along concentration gradient
B. It is an active process
C. Water movement is against concentration gradient
D. Both (B) and (C)

Answer

To solve the question regarding the correct statements related to imbibition and osmosis, we will analyze the definitions and characteristics of both processes step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Define Osmosis**:
- Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration (or lower solute concentration) to an area of lower water concentration (or higher solute concentration). This process continues until equilibrium is reached.

**Hint**: Remember that osmosis involves the movement of water in response to solute concentration differences.

2. **Define Imbibition**:
- Imbibition is a special type of diffusion where water is absorbed by solids, such as seeds or wood. This process is passive and does not require energy. It typically occurs when dry materials take up water and swell.

**Hint**: Focus on the fact that imbibition is specifically about solids absorbing water, unlike osmosis which involves water movement across membranes.

3. **Analyze the Statements**:
- **Statement A**: "Water movement is along the concentration gradient."
- This statement is correct for both osmosis and imbibition, as water moves from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration.

- **Statement B**: "It is an active process."
- This statement is incorrect. Both osmosis and imbibition are passive processes; they do not require energy.

- **Statement C**: "Water movement is against the concentration gradient."
- This statement is also incorrect. Water moves along the concentration gradient in both osmosis and imbibition.

- **Statement D**: "Both B and C."
- Since both B and C are incorrect, this statement is also incorrect.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The only correct statement is that water movement is along the concentration gradient. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is Statement A.

### Final Answer:
The correct statement relating to imbibition and osmosis is: **Water movement is along the concentration gradient.**

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