Water moves from higher to lower water potential by osmosis

Steps:

• Water potential in X is higher than in Y, creating a gradient.
• Water diffuses down the concentration gradient from high to low potential.
• In plant cells, this occurs across semi-permeable membranes via osmosis.
• Direction is from X (higher potential) to Y (lower potential).

Why A is correct:

• Osmosis defines passive water movement from higher water potential (less solute concentration) to lower water potential (higher solute concentration), following the water potential gradient.

Why the others are wrong:

• B: Incorrect direction; water does not move from lower to higher potential without energy input.
• C: Active transport uses ATP to move against gradients, but water follows the potential passively here.
• D: Wrong direction and process; active transport is not involved in this passive diffusion.

Final answer: A