What are the differences between osmosis and diffusion?

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane, while diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis occurs when there is a difference in solute concentration on either side of a selectively permeable membrane. Water molecules move from an area of high concentration (low solute concentration) to an area of low concentration (high solute concentration) until equilibrium is reached. This process is important in maintaining the water balance in cells and is essential for processes such as photosynthesis and respiration.

Diffusion, on the other hand, occurs when molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. This process occurs in both gases and liquids and is important for the movement of molecules such as oxygen and carbon dioxide in and out of cells. Diffusion is also important in the transport of nutrients and waste products in the body.

While both osmosis and diffusion involve the movement of molecules, osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules, while diffusion can occur with any type of molecule. Additionally, osmosis only occurs across a selectively permeable membrane, while diffusion can occur in any medium. Understanding the differences between osmosis and diffusion is important in understanding the basic processes that occur in living organisms.