Question

Define diffusion.

a. The active movement of molecules from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration using energy.
b. The passive movement of molecules from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration until equilibrium is achieved.
c. The active movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration using energy.
d. The passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is achieved.
e. The vesicular transport of large molecules out of a cell.

Answer 1

Diffusion is the passive transport of molecules from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration until equilibrium, not requiring energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is achieved. This process is crucial for the transport of substances in biological systems and does not require energy. It is driven by the concentration gradient, which propels substances down from an area where they are more concentrated to where they are less concentrated.

An everyday example of diffusion is the dispersal of ammonia gas from an opened bottle into the surrounding air, reaching a uniform concentration throughout the room. Within the cellular context, diffusion allows for the transfer of gases like O₂ and CO₂ and other small molecules across the cell membrane.