Are diffusion and osmosis the same thing?

Diffusion is defined as the movement of a substance from a high concentration to a low concentration, meaning they move from where there are lots of them to where there are fewer. Diffusion of these molecules occurs when the particles are dissolved in water (meaning they are "in solution").

Osmosis means the movement of WATER MOLECULES from a weakly concentrated solution to a strongly concentrated solution; this means the water molecules diffuse from where there are more of them to where there are few.

So you can think of osmosis as a type of diffusion that applies to water! Try to think of the molecules wanting to get from an area where they are concentrated to the area where they are more dilute (there are fewer of them). Remember that both processes occur over a semi-permeable membrane (one that only lets molecules of a certain size through).

EB
Answered by Eleanor B. Biology tutor

7945 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How does the body control blood sugar


By which two processes does glucose enter cells in the human body?


How are leaves adapted for gas exchange?


Describe how ions, water and sugar are obtained and transported through plants. In your answer you should refer to materials moving upwards and downwards in a plant. (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