Osmosis and diffusion are the two types of passive transport which play a vital role in moving molecules in and out of the cell.
Osmosis is the process of moving solvent particles across a semipermeable membrane from the solvent’s higher concentration to the solvent’s lower concentration. The complete process does not require energy to take place.
For example, the absorption of water molecules from the soil through the roots of the plant.
More to Explore: Reverse Osmosis
Diffusion
Diffusion is the process of moving particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached. Simple diffusion does not require energy; however, facilitated diffusion requires ATP.
For example, the aroma is diffused into the air by perfume sprays.
Read More: Diffusion
Difference between Osmosis and Diffusion
| Osmosis | Diffusion |
| It is limited only to the liquid medium. | Occurs in liquid, gas and even solids. |
| Requires a semipermeable membrane. | Does not require a semipermeable membrane. |
| Depends on the number of solute particles dissolved in the solvent. | Depends on the presence of other particles. |
| Requires water for the movement of particles. | Does not require water for the movement of particles. |
| Only the solvent molecules can diffuse. | Both the molecules of solute and solvent can diffuse. |
| The flow of particles occurs only in one direction. | The flow of particles occurs in all the directions. |
| The entire process can either be stopped or reversed by applying additional pressure on the solution side. | This process can neither be stopped nor reversed. |
| Occurs only between similar types of solutions. | Occurs between the similar and dissimilar types of solutions. |
| It involves the movement of only solvent molecules from one side to the other. | It involves the movement of all the particles from one region to the other. |
| The concentration of the solvent does not become equal on both sides of the membrane. | The concentration of the diffusion substance equalises to fill the available space. |
| Depends on solute potential. | Does not depend on solute potential, pressure potential, or water potential. |
| Only water or another solvent moves from a region of its high concentration to a region of its lower concentration. | Any type of substance moves from area of highest energy or concentration to region of lowest energy or concentration. |
| Not associated with uptake of minerals and nutrients. | It helps in the uptake of minerals and nutrients. |
Further Reading: Cell Wall
Conclusion
To incorporate the movement of molecules in and out of the cell, two types of transport systems exist, namely osmosis and diffusion. These two systems are passive transport systems as they do not require any additional energy to function (however, facilitated diffusion requires ATP). The primary differentiating factor between the two systems is the medium in which they are employed. Osmosis can only function in a liquid medium, but diffusion can occur in all three mediums (solid, liquid and gas). Furthermore, osmosis requires a semi-permeable membrane, while diffusion does not. The intake of water in plants is an example of osmosis. Diffusion is observed when a drop of food colouring is added to a glass of water, where eventually, the entire water content becomes coloured.
Extended Reading: Passive Transport
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• Categorized under Health,Science | Differences Between Osmosis And Facilitated Diffusion
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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APA 7
Ewan, D. (2016, April 20). Differences Between Osmosis And Facilitated Diffusion. Difference Between Similar
Terms and Objects. //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, //www.differencebetween.net/science/health/differences-between-osmosis-and-facilitated-diffusion/.
Written by : de. and updated on 2016, April 20
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