Question

Differentiate between diffusion and osmosis based on their definition.

Answer 1

Hint: Both the process of osmosis and diffusion are passive transport processes and they act to equalize the concentration of a solution. They have a massive role in maintaining the homeostasis across biological membranes.

Complete step by step answer:

Osmosis	Diffusion
- The process which involves the movement of particles of the solvent across a semipermeable membrane from a dilute solution into a concentrated solution is known as osmosis.	- The process which involves the movement of particles from the region of higher concentration towards the region of lower concentration is known as diffusion.
- The solvent moves toward the concentrated solution to make it dilute. The process continues until the concentration of solvent equalizers on both the sides of the membrane	- This movement continues until it equalizes the concentration of particles throughout the medium.
- Some examples of osmosis are: (i) Swelling up of red blood cells when exposed to freshwater.(ii) Taking up water by plant root hairs.(iii) Soaked gummy candies in water, shows the process of osmosis has taken place and the candy gel will act as a semipermeable membrane.	- Some examples of diffusion are:(i) Fragrance of perfume filling a whole room.(ii) Movement of small molecules across a cell membrane.(iii) When a drop of food color is added to water slowly the color of the entire water changes, this shows the process of diffusion has taken place.

Note:
- Osmosis always occurs across a semipermeable membrane but diffusion can occur in any mixture including the semipermeable membrane.
- In osmosis, only the solvent molecules that are water are allowed to move across the membrane whereas in diffusion both the solvent and the solute particles are free to move.