Movement of water from higher water potential to lower water potential through a semipermeable membrane is called

Options

A. Osmosis
B. Diffusion
C. Plasmoluysis
D. Imbibition

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Water Potential**: Water potential is a measure of the potential energy in water and determines the direction of water movement. Water moves from areas of higher water potential (more free water) to areas of lower water potential (less free water).

2. **Identifying the Process**: The question describes a specific process where water moves through a semi-permeable membrane. This is a crucial detail because it distinguishes this process from other types of movement.

3. **Defining Semi-Permeable Membrane**: A semi-permeable membrane allows certain molecules (like water) to pass through while blocking others. This is important for the selective movement of water.

4. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Osmosis**: This is defined as the movement of water from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential through a semi-permeable membrane. This matches the description in the question.
- **Diffusion**: This is the movement of substances from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, but it does not necessarily involve a semi-permeable membrane.
- **Plasmolysis**: This refers to the process where a cell loses water and shrinks, which is not relevant to the movement of water described in the question.
- **Imbibition**: This is the process of water absorption by seeds or other structures, which is also not the correct answer.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the definitions and analysis of the options, the correct answer to the question is **osmosis**.

**Final Answer**: The movement of water from higher water potential to lower water potential through a semi-permeable membrane is called **osmosis**.

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