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.

TD
Answered by Tutor34884 D. Biology tutor

3170 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Define osmosis.


Explain how a vaccination prevents infection.


Osmosis and diffusion are both examples of passive transport. Describe another similarity and a difference.


Why do plant shoots grow towards sunlight?


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