What is osmosis?

Osmosis is defined as the passive movement of water molecules from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration through a selectively permeable membrane. This process is crucial in maintaining the proper balance of water in cells, which is essential for their functioning and overall homeostasis.

In the context of the options provided, the correct answer focuses on the fact that osmosis does not require energy input from the cell, distinguishing it from processes that involve active transport or nutrient uptake. While nutrients and glucose transport involves energy expenditure, osmosis relies solely on the natural kinetic movement of water molecules.

Understanding osmosis is fundamental in biology, as it demonstrates how cells interact with their environment and regulate their internal conditions. It plays a vital role in processes such as nutrient absorption, waste removal, and maintaining cell turgor pressure in plants.