What process describes the movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane from low solute concentration to high concentration?

The process that describes the movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration is osmosis. This phenomenon occurs in response to the concentration gradient of solutes, with water molecules moving to equalize solute concentration on both sides of the membrane.

Osmosis is a vital biological process because it helps maintain cell turgor pressure and regulates fluid balance in living organisms. In many biological systems, membranes allow water to pass through while restricting the movement of solutes, hence creating the conditions for osmosis to occur. This selective permeability is essential for cellular functions, as it enables cells to control their internal environment effectively.

Understanding osmosis is crucial, especially in medical settings related to fluid management and dialysis, where the movement of fluids across membranes is essential for the treatment of patients with kidney dysfunctions.