Transport Mechanisms

Question 1

Diffusion?

Answer 1

Diffusion is the movement of particles( in a gas or solute) from high concentration of the particles to low concentration.
It does not have to occur across a membrane.
Structures involved in diffusion usually have large surface area.
It’s is a passive process- it occurs without the need for any outside influence.

Question 2

Osmosis?

Answer 2

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from a high concentration of water to a low concentration of water. This happens across a semi-permeable membrane and is a passive process.

Question 3

Active Transport?

Answer 3

Movement of particles from low concentration to a high concentration up a concentration gradient. This requires an input of energy which is usually provided by the mitochondria in a cell.