What are the differences between diffusion and osmosis?

Both these processes involve the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration. They are also both passive processes, so happen without the use of chemical energy. However, osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules, whereas diffusion can be any type of molecule. Osmosis also involves a partially or selectively permeable membrane, which means that not all molecules can pass through it. Diffusion can happen anywhere and in both liquids and gases (think of perfume spreading through the air, or squash in water). 

The full definitions are:

Diffusion is the passive movement of particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

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

PT
Answered by Phoebe T. Biology tutor

5314 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how transcription of genes occurs


What is photosynthesis and where does in occur?


What exactly is Natural selection?


What is an Extremophile?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning