The Question is from neet-botany plant-physiology , and it was created by the author NISHANTH

Question

Which of the following would have the LEAST effect on the rate of osmosis across a selectively permeable membrane?

NISHANTH · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: 4
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Osmosis and factors affecting its rate.
 **Related Topics**: Selective permeability, concentration gradient, diffusion, membrane transport.
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of osmosis as the net movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from a region of high water potential to a region of low water potential.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks about the factor that LEAST affects the rate of osmosis across a selectively permeable membrane.
  Options: Temperature, concentration gradient, membrane permeability, solute size.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze each option's effect on osmosis rate.
  Reasoning: Osmosis is driven by the difference in water potential between two solutions separated by a selectively permeable membrane. Several factors influence this rate.
 2. Identify the factor with the least impact.
  Working: Let's examine each option:
  * **Temperature:** Higher temperatures increase the kinetic energy of water molecules, leading to faster osmosis.
  * **Concentration gradient:** A steeper concentration gradient (larger difference in solute concentration) results in a faster osmosis rate. This is the primary driving force.
  * **Membrane permeability:** A more permeable membrane allows for faster water movement, thus influencing the rate.
  * **Solute size:**  While solute size indirectly affects osmosis by influencing the concentration gradient (larger solutes may reduce the effective concentration of water), its effect is typically less significant than the other factors.
 3. Determine the least influential factor.
  Result: The size of the solute molecules has the least direct impact on the rate of osmosis compared to temperature, concentration gradient, and membrane permeability.
  Verification: The rate of osmosis is primarily determined by the water potential gradient, which is directly influenced by temperature and concentration differences and membrane properties.  Solute size plays a secondary role.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Temperature directly affects the kinetic energy of water molecules, thus influencing the rate of osmosis.
B :x: The concentration gradient is the primary driving force behind osmosis. A larger gradient means faster osmosis.
C :x: Membrane permeability directly affects how easily water can pass through the membrane, thus influencing the rate.
D ✓: Solute size has a less direct and often smaller effect on osmosis compared to the other options. While it can influence the concentration gradient, it's not the primary factor.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing osmosis with diffusion: Osmosis is the specific movement of water, while diffusion encompasses the movement of any substance.
  2.Overlooking the role of the membrane:  The selectivity and permeability of the membrane are crucial for osmosis.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that osmosis is driven by the water potential gradient.
  2.Consider each factor's direct impact on the movement of water molecules.

NISHANTH · Answer

The temperature of the solutions

NISHANTH · Answer

The concentration gradient of the solute

NISHANTH · Answer

The permeability of the membrane to the solute

NISHANTH · Answer

The correct Option is "The size of the solute molecules"

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