What are the differences and similarities between osmosis, active transport and diffusion?

Osmosis is a term used to describe the movement of water molecules from a high water potential to a low water potential. Diffusion is similar to this, however it is used to describe the movement of molecules, other than water, from high concentration to low concentration. Both of these processes are passive, meaning they do not use energy. These therefore contrast with the process of active transport, which uses energy in the form of ATP. This process involves the movement of molecules from a low concentration to a high concentration, across a cell membrane.

JC
Answered by Joshua C. Biology tutor

8288 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are some of the major differences between viruses and bacteria?


How does a reflex arc work?


A large amount of sewage enters a river and many of the fish die. Sewage contains bacteria and organic material. Explain why the fish died.


How is a root hair cell specialised to its function?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning