Question

Compare and contrast diffusion and osmosis. Give three differences and two similarities.

A. Diffusion is the movement of solute particles from a high concentration to a low concentration, while osmosis is the movement of solvent molecules across a selectively permeable membrane.
B. Diffusion requires energy input, while osmosis does not.
C. Diffusion is specific to water molecules, while osmosis can involve various solute particles.
D. Similarities: Both are passive processes, Both involve movement across a concentration gradient.

Answer 1

Diffusion and osmosis have similarities in that they are both passive processes and involve movement across a concentration gradient. However, they differ in terms of the movement of solute particles, energy requirements, and the specificity of molecules involved.

Step-by-step explanation:

Differences Between Diffusion and Osmosis

• Diffusion involves the movement of both solute and solvent particles, whereas osmosis exclusively involves the movement of water, the solvent.
• Osmosis requires a selectively permeable membrane to occur, while diffusion can take place in any medium, including across membranes or within the air or liquid in which the molecules are suspended.
• Diffusion is not restricted to water molecules; it can involve any substance, while osmosis is a special case of diffusion that is specific to the movement of water.

Similarities Between Diffusion and Osmosis

• Both diffusion and osmosis are passive processes, meaning they do not require external energy to occur.
• Both processes depend on the movement down a concentration gradient, from areas of higher to lower concentration.