What term describes the movement of water and nutrients from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration through a semi-permeable membrane?

The correct term that describes the movement of water and nutrients from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration through a semi-permeable membrane is osmosis. Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane, driven by the concentration gradient. It is a vital process in biological systems, particularly in the movement of water into and out of plant cells.

In the context of plant biology and agritech, osmosis plays a crucial role in the absorption of water by plant roots, which allows plants to maintain their turgor pressure and overall health. The semi-permeable membrane is essential because it allows water to pass through while preventing certain solutes from doing so, facilitating a balance of concentrations across the membrane.

Other terms related to this phenomenon have distinct meanings. Diffusion, for example, is a broader term that refers to the movement of particles (not just water) from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration, but it does not specifically occur through a semi-permeable membrane. Capillary action involves the ability of water to move through narrow spaces due to adhesion and cohesion, and transpiration is the process by which plants lose water vapor through small openings in leaves, contributing to water movement but