What process involves the movement of solvent from a hypotonic solution to a hypertonic solution through a semipermeable membrane?

The correct answer is osmosis, which is the process defined specifically by the movement of solvent molecules across a semipermeable membrane. In this process, solvent moves from an area where the concentration of solute is lower (hypotonic solution) to an area where the concentration of solute is higher (hypertonic solution). This movement continues until there is an equilibrium, meaning that the concentrations of solute on both sides of the membrane are balanced.

Osmosis is critical in biological systems, as it regulates the balance of fluids and solutes in cells and tissues. Understanding osmosis is essential for comprehending various physiological processes, such as nutrient absorption and waste removal.

In contrast, diffusion refers to the movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration and does not specifically involve a semipermeable membrane or the movement of solvent in relation to solute concentration. Dialysis, while it does involve semipermeable membranes, primarily focuses on the separation of solutes based on size or concentration gradient, rather than the movement of solvent as in osmosis. Pressure filtration involves the use of pressure to separate substances and does not directly relate to the concentration gradient of solutes and solvent movement as osmosis does