Question

Differentiate between the following:

Diffusion and Active transport

Answer 1

1. In diffusion, movement of molecules occurs in the gradient.
2. In active transport, the movement of molecules occurs opposite the gradient.

Diffusion	Active transport
Movement of molecules from high to low concentration is called diffusion.	Movement of molecules from their lower concentration to their higher concentration through a cell membrane using energy is called active transport.
Energy is not required	Energy is required.
In plants, exchange of gases between atmosphere and leaves takes place via diffusion.	Minerals cannot be absorbed by osmosis and therefore are taken up by active transportation process.