Open the App

Subjects

Biology

12 Dec 2025

258

2 pages

Cell Diffusion: Year 11 Biology Summary Notes

user profile picture

izzy @isabelmay

Ever wondered how oxygen gets into your blood or how waste products leave your cells? It's all down... Show more

●
transport in cens
diffusion
rate of diffusion can be affected by a number of factors
FACTOR
Concentration gradient
$
temperature
the surfa

Understanding Diffusion

Think of diffusion as nature's way of mixing things up. Diffusion is the movement of molecules from areas where there's loads of them to areas where there's fewer - basically from high concentration to low concentration.

The clever bit is that whilst particles move in all directions, there's always a net movement from the crowded area to the less crowded one. It's like people spreading out at a party - they naturally move from the packed kitchen to the emptier living room.

Several factors speed up or slow down this process. A steeper concentration gradient (bigger difference between high and low areas) means faster diffusion. Higher temperature gives particles more energy to move about quickly. Plus, having a larger surface area means more space for molecules to cross through.

Quick Tip Remember that diffusion happens naturally - no energy required from the cell!

●
transport in cens
diffusion
rate of diffusion can be affected by a number of factors
FACTOR
Concentration gradient
$
temperature
the surfa

Diffusion in Your Body

Your body relies on diffusion constantly, especially in your lungs and liver. In your lungs, blood arriving from your body is packed with CO₂ but low on oxygen. The clever design of alveoli (tiny air sacs) allows CO₂ to diffuse out into the air you breathe out, whilst oxygen diffuses from the air into your blood.

Your liver cells use diffusion differently. Urea (a waste product) builds up to high concentrations inside liver cells, then diffuses out into nearby blood vessels. From there, your kidneys filter it out completely.

Every single cell in your body depends on diffusion for survival. Oxygen diffuses into cells where it's needed for respiration, whilst CO₂ (the waste product) diffuses out to be carried away by your blood.

Real-world connection This is why exercise makes you breathe harder - your cells need more oxygen and produce more CO₂!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

6

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Similar content

Plasma Membrane Structure

Explore the structure and function of plasma membranes, focusing on integral and peripheral proteins, the fluid mosaic model, and the role of phospholipid bilayers. This summary is tailored for A Level Biology students, particularly those following the AQA exam board.

BiologyBiology
12

Transport Mechanisms in Cells

Explore the key concepts of diffusion, osmosis, and active transport in cellular biology. This summary highlights how substances move across cell membranes, the importance of concentration gradients, and the role of surface area in these processes. Ideal for quick revision and understanding of cell membrane transport mechanisms.

BiologyBiology
9

Cell Membrane Functions

Explore the essential roles of the cell membrane, including its structure, permeability, and transport mechanisms. This summary covers key concepts such as the fluid mosaic model, passive and active transport, diffusion, and the functions of membrane proteins. Ideal for OCR A Level Biology students seeking to understand cellular transport processes.

BiologyBiology
12

Cellular Transport Mechanisms

Explore the essential concepts of diffusion, osmosis, and active transport in this concise summary. Understand how particles move across cell membranes, the role of energy in active transport, and the significance of concentration gradients. Ideal for Edexcel and AQA biology students preparing for exams.

BiologyBiology
10

Cell Membrane Transport Mechanisms

Explore the essential processes of cell membrane transport, including osmosis, diffusion, and active transport. This summary covers how water and molecules move across membranes, the role of transport proteins, and the differences in osmosis effects on animal and plant cells. Ideal for SQA N5 Biology exam preparation.

BiologyBiology
S3

Cell Structure & Transport

Explore the intricacies of cell structure and function, including the roles of organelles, the plasma membrane, and mechanisms of transport such as diffusion, osmosis, and active transport. This summary covers key concepts like tonicity, osmoregulation, and the fluid mosaic model, essential for understanding cellular processes in AP/College Biology.

BiologyBiology
13

Most popular content in Biology

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Biology

258

12 Dec 2025

2 pages

Cell Diffusion: Year 11 Biology Summary Notes

user profile picture

izzy

@isabelmay

Ever wondered how oxygen gets into your blood or how waste products leave your cells? It's all down to diffusion - a simple but essential process that keeps every cell in your body functioning properly.

●
transport in cens
diffusion
rate of diffusion can be affected by a number of factors
FACTOR
Concentration gradient
$
temperature
the surfa

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Understanding Diffusion

Think of diffusion as nature's way of mixing things up. Diffusion is the movement of molecules from areas where there's loads of them to areas where there's fewer - basically from high concentration to low concentration.

The clever bit is that whilst particles move in all directions, there's always a net movement from the crowded area to the less crowded one. It's like people spreading out at a party - they naturally move from the packed kitchen to the emptier living room.

Several factors speed up or slow down this process. A steeper concentration gradient (bigger difference between high and low areas) means faster diffusion. Higher temperature gives particles more energy to move about quickly. Plus, having a larger surface area means more space for molecules to cross through.

Quick Tip: Remember that diffusion happens naturally - no energy required from the cell!

●
transport in cens
diffusion
rate of diffusion can be affected by a number of factors
FACTOR
Concentration gradient
$
temperature
the surfa

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Diffusion in Your Body

Your body relies on diffusion constantly, especially in your lungs and liver. In your lungs, blood arriving from your body is packed with CO₂ but low on oxygen. The clever design of alveoli (tiny air sacs) allows CO₂ to diffuse out into the air you breathe out, whilst oxygen diffuses from the air into your blood.

Your liver cells use diffusion differently. Urea (a waste product) builds up to high concentrations inside liver cells, then diffuses out into nearby blood vessels. From there, your kidneys filter it out completely.

Every single cell in your body depends on diffusion for survival. Oxygen diffuses into cells where it's needed for respiration, whilst CO₂ (the waste product) diffuses out to be carried away by your blood.

Real-world connection: This is why exercise makes you breathe harder - your cells need more oxygen and produce more CO₂!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

6

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Similar content

Plasma Membrane Structure

Explore the structure and function of plasma membranes, focusing on integral and peripheral proteins, the fluid mosaic model, and the role of phospholipid bilayers. This summary is tailored for A Level Biology students, particularly those following the AQA exam board.

BiologyBiology
12

Transport Mechanisms in Cells

Explore the key concepts of diffusion, osmosis, and active transport in cellular biology. This summary highlights how substances move across cell membranes, the importance of concentration gradients, and the role of surface area in these processes. Ideal for quick revision and understanding of cell membrane transport mechanisms.

BiologyBiology
9

Cell Membrane Functions

Explore the essential roles of the cell membrane, including its structure, permeability, and transport mechanisms. This summary covers key concepts such as the fluid mosaic model, passive and active transport, diffusion, and the functions of membrane proteins. Ideal for OCR A Level Biology students seeking to understand cellular transport processes.

BiologyBiology
12

Cellular Transport Mechanisms

Explore the essential concepts of diffusion, osmosis, and active transport in this concise summary. Understand how particles move across cell membranes, the role of energy in active transport, and the significance of concentration gradients. Ideal for Edexcel and AQA biology students preparing for exams.

BiologyBiology
10

Cell Membrane Transport Mechanisms

Explore the essential processes of cell membrane transport, including osmosis, diffusion, and active transport. This summary covers how water and molecules move across membranes, the role of transport proteins, and the differences in osmosis effects on animal and plant cells. Ideal for SQA N5 Biology exam preparation.

BiologyBiology
S3

Cell Structure & Transport

Explore the intricacies of cell structure and function, including the roles of organelles, the plasma membrane, and mechanisms of transport such as diffusion, osmosis, and active transport. This summary covers key concepts like tonicity, osmoregulation, and the fluid mosaic model, essential for understanding cellular processes in AP/College Biology.

BiologyBiology
13

Most popular content in Biology

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user