Final answer:
Diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion are methods for moving molecules with the main similarity being their movement from higher to lower concentration areas. Osmosis and facilitated diffusion occur across cell membranes, with osmosis specific to water and facilitated diffusion requiring transport proteins for molecule movement. A plant cell shriveling up in a solution indicates it was in a hypertonic environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion are all processes that involve the movement of molecules. Diffusion is a process where substances move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until there is an even distribution. Osmosis is a special form of diffusion that specifically involves the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. Facilitated diffusion also moves substances from higher to lower concentration but requires the help of transport proteins to move molecules across the cell membrane, beneficial for large or hydrophilic molecules and charged ions.
Despite their similarities, these processes have differences. Diffusion can occur in any medium, while osmosis only occurs across membranes. Facilitated diffusion is distinct because it requires transport proteins and is used for molecules that cannot freely diffuse across membranes due to their size, polarity, or charge.
When a plant cell shrivels up after being placed in a solution, it was likely placed in a hypertonic solution, indicating that water has moved out of the cell leading to cell shrinkage. This movement of water happens through osmosis, where water moves from regions of lower solute concentration (inside the cell) to regions of higher solute concentration (in the surrounding solution).