What is the difference between diffusion, osmosis and active transport?

Diffusion and osmosis both involve the movement of particles from a high concentration to a low concentration, down a concentration gradient. The key difference between the two, is that osmosis concerns the movement of FLUIDS - so the words “water potential” will substitute concentration in that instance. Active Transport is different. It involves the movement of particles going AGAINST the concentration gradient - so from an area of low concentration to high concentration. As the name suggests, this is an active process, so it requires ATP to be able to occur (whereas diffusion and osmosis are both passive processes, that naturally occur without needing any ATP).

FN
Answered by Fadheelah N. Biology tutor

2915 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Can you explain the importance of the refractory period within the axon?


Describe and explain the process of glycolysis


How is DNA replicated when a cell divides?


What is the Hardy-Weinberg equation?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning