Diffusion vs. Osmosis

Diffusion and osmosis are both processes that involve the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. However, there are key differences between the two processes.

Diffusion
- Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.
- It occurs in both gases and liquids.
- It does not require a semi-permeable membrane.
- It is a passive process that does not require energy input from the cell.

Osmosis
- Osmosis is a specific type of diffusion that involves the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane.
- It occurs only in liquids.
- It requires a semi-permeable membrane to separate the solutions with different concentrations.
- It is also a passive process that does not require energy input from the cell.

Key Differences
1. Diffusion involves the movement of any type of molecule, while osmosis specifically involves the movement of water molecules.
2. Osmosis requires a semi-permeable membrane, whereas diffusion does not.
3. Osmosis only occurs in liquids, while diffusion can occur in both gases and liquids.
4. Both processes are passive and do not require energy input from the cell.

In conclusion, while diffusion and osmosis are similar in that they both involve the movement of molecules from high to low concentration, they differ in the types of molecules involved, the presence of a semi-permeable membrane, and the medium in which they occur.