Osmosis: Definition, Types, Examples (Osmosis vs Diffusion)

Osmosis vs. Diffusion

May 13, 2024 | by Bloom Code Studio

Basis for comparison	Diffusion	Osmosis
Definition	Simple diffusion is a type of passive transport in which the movement of solute occurs when its electrochemical potentials on the two sides of a permeable barrier are different.	Osmosis is a type of passive transport occurring commonly in biological systems where solvent molecules move across a semi-permeable membrane towards a region of high solute concentration.
Nature of the membrane	Diffusion occurs through any permeable membrane.	Osmosis requires a semi-permeable membrane.
Nature of the process	Diffusion is a passive process.	Osmosis is also a passive process.
Medium	Diffusion can take place in all mediums (solid, liquid, and gas).	Osmosis only occurs in a liquid medium.
Type of diffusing molecules	The moving molecules can be either of solid, liquid or gases.	The moving molecules in osmosis are always liquid molecules.
Rate of the process	Diffusion is faster than osmosis.	Osmosis is slower than diffusion.
Driving force	The driving force of diffusion is the concentration gradient.	The driving force of osmosis is osmotic pressure.
Direction of movement	Diffusion takes place in all directions.	Osmosis takes place in one direction.
Control of the process	Diffusion cannot be stopped or reversed by any pressure.	Osmosis can be stopped and even reversed by applying pressure equal to or more than the osmotic pressure.
Types of solution	Diffusion can take place between similar or dissimilar solutions	Osmosis takes place only between two similar solutions.

RELATED POSTS

View all