What is the term for the net movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane?

The correct term for the net movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane is osmosis. This process specifically refers to the movement of water molecules from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, until equilibrium is reached. Osmosis is crucial in many biological processes, as it helps maintain the proper balance of fluids in cells and tissues.

In contrast, diffusion relates to the movement of solute molecules rather than water. It involves particles moving from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration but does not specifically concern the movement of water. Endocytosis and exocytosis are types of vesicular transport processes that involve the active transport of materials into (endocytosis) or out of (exocytosis) the cell through membrane vesicles, rather than the passive movement of water across a membrane. Thus, osmosis is the correct answer as it exclusively addresses the movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane.