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An example of osmosis: water traveling from an area of high water density through the gelatin to an area of low water density, swelling the candy. Martin Leigh / Getty Images Updated on February 06, 2020 Students are often asked to explain the similarities and differences between osmosis and diffusion or to compare and contrast the two forms of transport. To answer the question, you need to know the definitions of osmosis and diffusion and really understand what they mean. Definitions
Examples
SimilaritiesOsmosis and diffusion are related processes that display similarities:
DifferencesHere's how they are different:
Key PointsFacts to remember about diffusion and osmosis:
What are the similarities between osmosis and diffusion?Both osmosis and diffusion equalize the concentration of two solutions. Both diffusion and osmosis are passive transport processes, which means they do not require any input of extra energy to occur. In both diffusion and osmosis, particles move from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration.
What are 5 differences between diffusion and osmosis?Osmosis can only function in a liquid medium, but diffusion can occur in all three mediums (solid, liquid and gas). Furthermore, osmosis requires a semi-permeable membrane, while diffusion does not. The intake of water in plants is an example of osmosis.
What are the similarities and differences between osmosis diffusion and active transport?Diffusion can happen with or without passing through a semi-permeable membrane (cell plasma membrane is semi-permeable). Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules down a concentration gradient through a semi-permeable membrane. Active transport is the movement of a substance against a concentration gradient.
What are the similarities between osmosis and active transport?Diffusion, osmosis and active transport are all transport processes. Diffusion refers to the movement of any molecules/ions apart from water whereas osmosis refers to the transport of only water. Active transport refers to the movement of dissolved solutes.
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