Diffusion and Osmosis

Biology Notes

Diffusion

No membrane required (Nature of transport ) Flow from [ Higher ] to [ Lower ] concentration Between Solid Liquid or Gas Relatively faster then Osmosis Can spread over a long distance or area

Definition: Net movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration through the concentration gradient

Osmosis

Needs Semi-Permeable membrane Flows from area of [ Higher ] water potential to area of

[ Lower ] water potential Only between two solvents Relatively slower then diffusion Is limited to short distances and area

Similarities

Occur in living and non-living systems Do not require external energy to drive the process Takes place along the concentration gradient Passive transport

Water Potential

The tendency for water to move from on point to another

Water always moves from a area of [ Higher ] water potential to an area of [ Lower ] water potential

Water potential is like Diffusion in Water