Molecules of a substance are able to move between cells. What are the two main processes by which this occurs? What is the main difference between these two processes?

Within cells the two main forms of cellular exchange are diffusion and osmosis.

These two terms can sometimes be mixed up as they both mean "the movement of molecules of a substance from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration."

The difference between the two processes is that where DIFFUSION is just the movement of molecules of a substance from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration; OSMOSIS is specifically the movement of molecules of WATER through a SELECTIVELY PERMEABLE MEMBRANE from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration.

Answered by Navdeep B. Biology tutor

2127 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What does anaerobic mean?


What is the difference between competitive and non-competitive inhibition?


What does osmosis mean and what does the movement of water do to cells?


explain the circulation of blood pumped by the heart


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy