Give examples of diffusion occuring in plants and animals
Answers
Example of diffusion in plant cells
In order to carry out photosynthesis a plant requires carbon dioxide. On the underside of leaves there are small holes known as stomata, carbon dioxide diffuse into the leaves via these. Leaves produce oxygen and water vapour and these in turn diffuse out via the stomata.
Example of diffusion in an animal cell
The cells in our body need glucose and oxygen for respiration. Both these are carried in the blood. When blood reaches the cells the molecules of glucose and oxygen diffuse out of the blood and into the cells.
As cells use up the glucose and oxygen they produce waste chemicals and carbon dioxide. If these were to build up in the cells they would poison them, therefore they diffuse out of the cells into the blood.