What is diffusion and how is it different from osmosis?

Diffusion can otherwise be known as the technical term for the movement of particles. It is the process where the particles in question moves from an area where it is high in concentration to an area where it is low. This movement of high to low is also referred to as diffusing down a concentration gradient. Diffusion happens because of the random movement of particles. When the concentration of the particle is the same on both sides, the net exchange is zero and concentration stabilizes. Osmosis is a specific form of diffusion referring only to the diffusion of water molecules down a concentration gradient through a partially permeable membrane. For example, we refer to water entering plant cells by osmosis instead of diffusion.

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