What process involves passive diffusion of water through cells?

The process that involves passive diffusion of water through cells is osmosis. Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This movement does not require energy input, which is why it is classified as a passive process.

In the context of cells, the selectively permeable membranes allow water to move freely in and out. This process is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and is crucial for the proper functioning of cells. Osmosis plays a vital role in various biological processes, such as nutrient absorption and waste removal.

Active transport, on the other hand, requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, while filtration typically involves the passage of molecules through a filter or a membrane based on size or pressure, rather than through diffusion. Diffusion itself refers to the general movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration and is not specific to water.