Diffusion

Q1

1. What is diffusion?

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration down the concentration gradient.

Q2

2. List the types of diffusion.

Diffusion can be divided into two main types, namely, simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion.

Q3

3. What is simple diffusion?

Simple diffusion is defined as the process in which a substance moves through a semipermeable membrane or in a solution without any help from transport proteins.

Q4

4. State an example of simple diffusion.

In a cell, water, oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules can pass directly through the cell membrane without requiring any energy along the concentration gradient. This is a form of simple diffusion.

Q5

5. What is facilitated diffusion?

Facilitated diffusion can be defined as the passive movement of molecules across the cell membrane from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration by means of a carrier molecule.

Q6

6. Provide an example of facilitated diffusion.

In the human body, glucose molecules, sodium and potassium ions use carrier proteins to pass through the cell membranes.

Q7

7. How does dialysis work?

Dialysis works through the diffusion of solutes across a selectively permeable membrane. A selectively permeable membrane is the one that allows only specific ions and molecules to pass through while obstructing the movement of other molecules.

Q8

8. What are the factors affecting diffusion?

Temperature, area of interaction, size of the particle and the steepness of the concentration gradient are all factors that affect the process of diffusion.

Q9

9. State the significance of diffusion.

Diffusion is a very important process occurring in all living beings. All living organisms exhibit one or the other form of diffusion, allowing the movement of the molecules during various metabolic or cellular processes.