What is diffusion?

All the cells in our body communicate constantly with their surrounding environment in order to feed and excrete their wastes. Various substances in that environment pass through the cell membrane to enter or exit each cell, with the process of diffusion. So basically, diffusion is the movement of something- that being a free moving substance or particle- from a place with a high concentration to a place that has low concentration. For example, oxygen particles in our lungs diffuse from the alveolar air space (the little berry like structures inside the lungs) to the blood vessels and the blood that is circulating around the lungs.

KC
Answered by Kleio C. Biology tutor

3936 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the course of blood through the heart and lungs, explaining how it becomes oxygenated.


What are two different ways cells of the body signal each other? Give an example of each.


How is information transmitted across a chemical synapse?


Outline the main differences between an artery and a vein? (6 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning