Difference between Diffusion and Osmosis
Differences between the diffusion and osmosis are as follows:
Feature |
Diffusion |
Osmosis |
---|---|---|
Definition |
Here, molecules move from high to low concentration. |
Here, water moves from high to low concentration. |
Type of molecules |
Any type of molecule i.e., liquid, gas, and solids. |
Only liquid molecules. |
Direction |
Molecules move in both directions. |
Liquid moves from high to low concentration. |
Membrane |
Can occur across any membrane. |
Occurs across a selectively permeable membrane. |
Effect on gradient |
Reduces concentration gradient. |
Maintains or increases solute concentration gradient. |
Types |
Simple, facilitated, and active diffusion. |
Simple and facilitated osmosis. |
Mechanism |
It is driven by means of the spontaneous thermal movement of molecules. |
Driven by differences in solute concentration. |
Energy |
Can occur without energy input. |
Requires no direct energy input. |
Regulation |
It can be controlled by some external factors (e.g. temperature). |
Regulated by solute concentration difference across the membrane. |
Role in cells |
Helps regulate nutrient uptake and waste removal. |
Helps maintain cell shape and regulate water balance. |
Types of solutions |
Occurs in both homogeneous and heterogeneous solutions. |
Occurs in heterogeneous solutions where a selectively permeable membrane is present. |
Effect of solutes |
Does not depend on the solute concentration difference. |
Depends on the solute concentration difference. |
Difference Between Osmosis and Diffusion
Difference Between Osmosis and Diffusion: Diffusion and Osmosis are fundamental concepts in biology and physics that have been observed and studied for many years. Both Diffusion and Osmosis are types of passive transport. Diffusion and Osmosis are the two different types of biological transport. Where, biological transport refers to the movement of molecules, ions, and other substances across cell membranes and within cells.
Biological transport plays a crucial role in many physiological processes, such as nutrient uptake, waste removal, and cell signaling. Both diffusion and osmosis involve particle movement. The first recorded observations of diffusion date back to the 19th century, while osmosis was first observed in the 18th century.