In organisms, the ability to control osmosis depends on the properties of the plasma membranes of individual cells. Based on their ability to permit the free movement of water and some solutes, these membranes are described as:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term used to describe the ability of plasma membranes to allow for the selective movement of water and some solutes is selectively permeable. The term permeable alone implies that all substances can pass through freely, which is not the case for plasma membranes. Impermeable and impervious both suggest that no substances can pass through, which is also not accurate. Diffusible is not a term typically used to describe plasma membranes in this context.

In Organisms, the Ability to Control Osmosis Depends on the Properties