What is the process called when a solvent moves from a solution of lesser to one of greater solute concentration through a semipermeable membrane?

The correct term for the process in which a solvent moves from an area of lower solute concentration to one of higher solute concentration through a semipermeable membrane is osmosis. This process is crucial in biological systems, where it plays a vital role in maintaining cell turgor and overall fluid balance.

During osmosis, water molecules navigate through the semipermeable membrane, which allows only certain molecules to pass while restricting others. This movement occurs until there is an equilibrium, which is essential for various physiological processes in living organisms.

Understanding osmosis is fundamental to mortuary science, particularly in embalming, where it's important to manage fluid balance within the body tissues being treated. This knowledge can help professionals in determining the appropriate embalming solutions and techniques to ensure proper preservation.

The other processes mentioned do not accurately describe this specific movement of solvent. Diffusion refers to the movement of solute particles from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration. Filtration is the process of separating solids from fluids by adding a force, usually gravity or pressure. Evaporation is the transition of a substance from liquid to gas, which does not involve movement through a membrane or concentration gradients in the same manner as osmosis.