Diffusion, Osmosis, and Active Transport
This page provides a comprehensive overview of the three main types of cell transport: diffusion, osmosis, and active transport. Each process is defined and explained in terms of particle movement and energy requirements.
Definition: Diffusion is the spreading out of particles resulting in a net movement from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Example: Oxygen diffuses from the air into the alveoli in the lungs.
Highlight: Diffusion and osmosis are passive processes that do not require energy, while active transport needs energy from respiration.
The page also discusses factors affecting the rate of diffusion:
- Difference in concentration: A steeper concentration gradient leads to faster diffusion.
- Temperature: Higher temperatures increase the rate of diffusion.
- Surface area: Larger surface areas result in faster diffusion rates.
Vocabulary: Concentration gradient refers to the difference in concentration between two areas.
The text explains adaptations for exchanging substances, comparing single-celled and multi-cellular organisms:
Example: Single-celled organisms have a large surface area to volume ratio, allowing efficient molecule transport across cell membranes.
Multi-cellular organisms, with their smaller surface area to volume ratio, require specialized organ systems for effective substance exchange.