What is the difference between osmosis and diffusion?

Both osmosis and diffusion are processes that involve the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. Neither process requires energy.
Osmosis and diffusion differ in the folowing ways:
- Osmosis requires a partially permeable membrane and is the movement of water molecules only.
- Diffusion does not require a partially permeable membrane and is the movement of any gas or liquid molecules.

HM
Answered by Hope M. Biology tutor

4473 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

In which cell structures does respiration mainly occur?


Define Osmosis


How should I revise for a Biology exam?


What is the differences and simalarities between diffusion and osmosis?


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