What are the differences between diffusion and osmosis?
Posted August 26, 2024
Basis of differentiation |
Diffusion |
Osmosis |
Definition |
The movement of any type of substance from an area of higher concentration or energy to a lower concentration or energy |
The movement of water or another solvent from an area of higher concentration or energy to a lower concentration or energy |
Medium |
Can occur in liquids, solids, or gasses |
Occurs only in a liquid medium |
Dependence on potential |
Does not depend on solute potential, pressure potential, or water potential |
Depends on solute potential |
Membrane Requirement |
Does not require a semipermeable membrane |
Requires a semipermeable membrane |
Pressure factors |
Hydrostatic pressure and turgor pressure do not typically affect diffusion |
Hydrostatic pressure and turgor pressure counteract osmosis |
Concentration equalization |
The concentration of the diffusing substance spreads out to uniformly fill the available space |
The concentration of the solvent remains uneven on either side of the membrane |
Dependency on solute particles |
Primarily relies on the presence of various particles |
Primarily depends on the quantity of solute particles dissolved in the solvent |