Question

What is the importance of diffusion in the human body?

Answer 1

Diffusion:

1. It is the process by which molecules move from high to low concentrations.
2. The advantage of diffusion is that it does not require energy to regulate, unlike cells that have to make proteins that pump molecules across the membrane.

There are two types of diffusion:

1. Facilitated diffusion: It occurs by the facilitation of a transporter.
2. Simple diffusion: It occurs along the concentration gradient and is not dependent on any form of the transporter.

Importance of diffusion:

1. In humans, diffusion helps move substances in and out of cells.
2. Lungs and Gas: During the respiratory process, oxygen and carbon dioxide gases reach to cells and are removed from cells respectively by diffusion.
3. Kidneys and waste products: In the human body, diffusion helps with gas exchange, water, salt, and waste products from our kidneys. These harmful substances are collected as urine and excreted from our bodies.
4. Skin and temperature: As a person's body temperature rises, the body needs to cool. Therefore, the heat of the body is released in the process of diffusion to cool the body by releasing sweat. When water evaporates from the skin, it takes heat away and becomes cold.