Differences and similarities between Simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion and osmosis

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Differences and similarities between Simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion and osmosis

In the body of an organism, molecules or ions move from one place to another by physiological processes. The main physiological processes are diffusion, osmosis and active transport. In the case of osmosis and facilitated diffusion; they have some similarities as well as some differences. Osmosis is the spontaneous movement of water molecules across a semi permeable membrane from a region of high concentration of solution to a region of high solute concentration. Facilitated diffusion on the other hand is the process of spontaneous passive transport of molecules across a biological membrane via specific trans-membrane integral proteins. Some of the differences between osmosis and facilitated diffusion are:

  1. Type of molecules

Osmosis involves the movement of water molecules. Water molecules move from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration. Facilitated diffusion on the other side involves insoluble compounds such as sugars, amino acids and ions which can pass through a partially permeable membrane.

  1. Concentration gradient

Concentration gradient is the number of molecules within a particular area. It could also be taken as the gradual difference in solute concentration between two areas. The process of osmosis causes the molecules to move down a concentration gradient. This means that an osmotic pressure must be created so that solvent molecules move from a region of low solute concentration to a region of high solute concentration. Facilitated diffusion on the other hand causes molecules to go from a high concentration to a low concentration gradient. This brings in a difference between the two.

  1. Presence of a membrane

A membrane is a flexible enclosing or separating tissue forming a plane or film and separating two environments usually in living organisms. When it comes to osmosis; a membrane is essential I order to create a concentration gradient between two different environments. Facilitated diffusion on the other case can take place either in the presence or absence of a membrane. This is because molecules can move freely from the area of high concentration to that of low molecule concentration.

  1. Carriers requirement

 Biologically a carrier is a protein in the membrane that aids the movement of molecules or ions from one region to another. Facilitated diffusion requires carriers in the movement of molecules. The molecules bind to membrane-spanning transport protein and together move form towards the region of low concentration. In the case of osmosis, a carrier is not required in the movement of the water molecules. This highlights a noticeable difference between osmosis and facilitated diffusion.

  1. Water molecules

 Osmosis involves movement of water molecules across a semi permeable membrane. This means that water is an essential for the process of osmosis to take place. On the other side; facilitated diffusion does not require water molecules for other molecules to transfer. A major difference can be noted that osmosis requires water molecules but facilitated diffusion does not require any water molecules.

  1. Process of occurrences

The process is how physiological means take place. Osmosis occurs when the medium surrounding the cell has a higher water concentration than the cell. The cell gains water molecules due to the osmotic pressure effect. Osmosis also occurs when water moves from one cell to another. Facilitated diffusion on the other hand occurs when the medium surrounding the cell is in high concentration of ions or molecules than the environment within the cell. The molecules move from the surrounding medium into the cell due to diffusion gradient.

From the differences highlighted above it is clear and evident that osmosis and facilitated diffusion differ in one way or another.

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Differences and similarities between Simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion and osmosis
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APA 7
Ewan, D. (2016, April 20). Differences Between Osmosis And Facilitated Diffusion. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. http://www.differencebetween.net/science/health/differences-between-osmosis-and-facilitated-diffusion/.
MLA 8
Ewan, Dart. "Differences Between Osmosis And Facilitated Diffusion." Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects, 20 April, 2016, http://www.differencebetween.net/science/health/differences-between-osmosis-and-facilitated-diffusion/.

Written by : de. and updated on 2016, April 20

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What are the similarities of simple diffusion osmosis and facilitated diffusion?

In facilitated diffusion, substances move into or out of cells down their concentration gradient through protein channels in the cell membrane. Simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion are similar in that both involve movement down the concentration gradient.

What are the differences and similarities between simple diffusion facilitated diffusion and osmosis?

Simple diffusion allows the direct transport of molecules across the cell membrane. In contrast, facilitated diffusion occurs via transmembrane proteins like carrier proteins, channel proteins, and aquaporins. Small nonpolar molecules are transported by simple diffusion.

What is the difference between simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion?

The difference between them is that in simple diffusion the molecules move without the aid of membrane proteins whereas in facilitated diffusion it helps the molecules move downhill.

What are the similarities and differences between facilitated diffusion and active transport?

Facilitated diffusion occurs along a concentration gradient from high concentration to low concentration and does not require energy, while active transport from low concentration to high concentration occurs against the concentration gradient and requires energy.