Question

Define osmosis.How it is different from diffusion?

Answer 1

Osmosis is defined as the movement of water molecules through a semi permeable membrane from the are of higher water concentration to lower water concentration. It usually occurs in a cell when the medium around that cell has a higher water concentration. During this process, the water travels from higher to lower concentration that is within the cell and in this manner the cell gain important nutrients which are required for the growth of cell. It also occurs when water moves from one cell to another. In plants, osmosis is important for the absorption of water from the soil. In animals, osmosis helps in distribution of nutrients and release of metabolic waste products.























Diffusion doesn’t need water for movement. Osmosis needs water for movement.Semi-permeable membrane is not involved in diffusion but it is involved in osmosis.Concentration gradient in diffusion goes from high to low. In osmosis, the molecules move down concentration gradient.Diffusion helps in creating energy like in the process of respiration. Osmosis does not help in generating energy.Diffusion can be operated in any medium but osmosis can only by operated in water.Diffusion is not influenced by solute potential but osmosis is influenced by solute potential.Diffusion is applicable to all types of substances but osmosis is applicable to solvent part of the solution.Osmosis is opposed by turgor and hydrostatic pressure but diffusion is no