Question

Imbibition is (a) Special type of diffusion (b) Osmosis (c) Facilitated diffusion (d) Active transport

Short answer

None of the provided options correctly describes imbibition as per its definition.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze all proposed answers

Initially, the definition of each answer option should be understood. Here is a brief overview of these processes: (a) Diffusion is the process by which molecules spread out, or move from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration. (b) Osmosis is a type of diffusion where water molecules move across a semi-permeable membrane. (c) Facilitated diffusion involves the use of protein channels or carriers to move substances down their concentration gradient. (d) Active transport involves the use of energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.

Define Imbibition

Imbibition is the process by which water is absorbed by solids-colloids causing an enormous increase in volume. Examples being the absorption of water by seeds and dry wood. It's a kind of capillary action, and it doesn't involve movement across cell membranes.

Identify the correct answer

Based on the definitions, we can see that osmosis,diffusion (even the facilitated type) and active transport all involve the motion of molecules across cell membranes and also involve concentration gradients. Imbibition differs from these processes, hence, none of the option directly describes imbibition. So, according to the options given, there's no correct answer.

Key concepts

Diffusion

Diffusion is a fundamental biological process that plays an essential role in the movement of molecules within living organisms and their environments. It is the net movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration, occurring as a result of the random motion of particles. This process does not require energy, thus it is considered a type of passive transport.

In the case of gases, diffusion is responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveoli and blood vessels in the lungs. In liquids, it ensures that nutrients, waste products, and other substances are evenly distributed within a cell or between cells in a tissue. Diffusion can also occur in solids, such as the spread of scent particles from a solid air freshener throughout a room.

Osmosis

Osmosis is a special category of diffusion that pertains only to water molecules and involves their movement across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to one of higher solute concentration. Unlike general diffusion, osmosis almost always involves a biological membrane.

A real-life example of osmosis can be observed when a plant cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, causing water to enter the cell, which may lead to the cell becoming turgid. Osmosis is critical in biological systems as it influences the distribution of nutrients and the release of waste products. It’s also the principle behind the saline regulation in our kidneys and maintaining the water balance in cells.

Facilitated Diffusion

Facilitated Diffusion is a subtype of passive transport where molecules diffuse across membranes with the help of membrane proteins, such as channels and carriers. These proteins provide a pathway for specific molecules that would otherwise have difficulty passing through the cell's lipid bilayer.

For example, glucose and amino acids, which are too large or not lipid-soluble, can easily move into or out of the cell via facilitated diffusion. Although this type of transport does not require cellular energy, it is limited by the number of available transport proteins, thus it can become saturated if the molecule concentration is high.

Active Transport

Active Transport is unique among the transport mechanisms as it involves the use of cellular energy, typically in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), to move substances against their concentration gradient. In other words, it moves substances from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration.

This process is critical for maintaining concentration gradients of ions across cell membranes, such as the sodium-potassium pumps in nerve cells, which are essential for nerve impulse transmission. Active transport is also responsible for accumulating high concentrations of molecules that cells need, such as glucose or amino acids, even when concentrations outside the cell are much lower.

Capillary Action

Capillary Action is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces like gravity. It occurs because of the adhesive force between the fluid and the walls of the container, as well as the cohesive force within the fluid itself. This can be seen when water climbs up a thin tube, or when a paper towel absorbs a spill.

In biology, capillary action is evident in the way water moves through the xylem of plants, transporting essential nutrients and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. It’s not a cell membrane transport mechanism, but rather a phenomenon that relies on the properties of liquids and the materials they come into contact with.