Question

Differentiate between osmosis and diffusion.

Answer 1

Osmosis.

1. Osmosis is the process of movement of water molecules from a region of higher water concentration through a semi-permeable membrane to a region of lower water concentration.

Diffusion.

1. Diffusion is the movement of molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration down the concentration gradient.

Osmosis	Diffusion
1. It occurs in a liquid medium	1. Occurs in all mediums- solid, liquid, and gas.
2. Requires a semipermeable membrane.	2. Do not require a semipermeable membrane.
3. Depends on the number of solute particles dissolved in the solvent.	3. Depends on the presence of other particles.
4. Requires water for the movement of particles.	4. Do not require water for the movement of particles.
5. Only the solvent molecules can diffuse.	5. Both the molecules of solute and solvent can diffuse.
6. The flow of particles occurs only in one direction.	6. The flow of particles occurs in all directions.
7. Ex: Dialysis of kidney in the excretory system.	7. Ex: spreading of a particle of a room freshener.