Final answer:
Diffusion is a passive process of transport. There are several forms of diffusion, including simple diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diffusion is a passive process of transport. A single substance moves from a high concentration to a low concentration area until the concentration is equal across a space. There are several different forms of diffusion, including:
- Simple diffusion: the movement of a substance due to differences in concentration without any help from other molecules. This is how small, hydrophobic molecules like oxygen and carbon dioxide enter and leave cells.
- Osmosis: the diffusion of water molecules across a membrane.
- Facilitated diffusion: the movement of a substance across a membrane due to differences in concentration, but with the help of transport proteins in the membrane. This is how larger or hydrophilic molecules and charged ions enter and leave cells.