Final answer:
Cells benefit from diffusion, particularly simple diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion, to achieve balance with their environment and reach equilibrium without increasing or decreasing molecule concentration actively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cells benefit from diffusion as it is a key process through which they achieve balance with their environment. Specifically, cells use diffusion to move molecules from an area of high concentration to one of low concentration. This natural process involves different forms of transport such as simple diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion.In simple diffusion, small and uncharged molecules can freely diffuse across the cell membrane without energy input. However, larger or charged molecules may require assistance through facilitated diffusion, which involves transport proteins. On the other hand, osmosis specifically refers to the diffusion of water molecules across the membrane.
Through these processes, cells do not increase the concentration of certain molecules; rather they work towards achieving an equal concentration across the membrane, which leads to an equilibrium state. Therefore, Option 2, 'Cells achieve balance with their environment,' is the correct answer to how cells benefit from diffusion.