Difference Between Diffusion and Osmosis:
The following are the points of difference between Diffusion and Osmosis-
Diffusion | Osmosis |
---|---|
Diffusion can take place in any medium. | Osmosis occurs only in a liquid medium. |
It is a movement of small-sized particles of different substances according to their concentration gradients. | It is the movement of only water or solvent molecules according to the gradient of their chemical potential. |
A semipermeable membrane is not required. | It requires a semipermeable membrane. |
It is dependent upon the free energy of the molecules of diffusing substance only; the presence of other substances in the system is of no importance. | Though it is the diffusion of solvent molecules only, yet influenced by the presence of other substances (solutes) in the system. |
A turgor or hydrostatic pressure does not develop. | A turgor or hydrostatic pressure develops due to osmosis. |
Diffusion continues till concentration becomes the same throughout the available space. | Equalization of concentration of solvent is not possible. |
Factors like water potential, solute potential and pressure potential do not affect diffusion. | Water potential, solute potential and pressure potential do not affect osmosis in a living system. |
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