What term describes the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane?

The correct term that describes the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane is osmosis. This process specifically refers to the diffusion of water molecules from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration through a membrane that allows only water to pass while preventing solute molecules from doing the same. This movement continues until there is an equal concentration of solute on both sides of the membrane, demonstrating how cells maintain homeostasis and equilibrium.

In contrast, diffusion involves the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, which is not exclusive to water. Filtration is a process that involves the separation of substances based on size and is typically driven by pressure differences, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, which does not specifically pertain to the movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane.