Diffusion vs. Active Transport: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from high to low concentration, while active transport requires energy to move substances against a concentration gradient.
Key Differences
Diffusion involves molecules moving passively from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration, driven by natural kinetic energy. Active Transport, however, uses cellular energy (ATP) to move molecules or ions against their concentration gradient.
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Dec 21, 2023
In diffusion, substances move until equilibrium is reached, and it doesn't require cellular energy. Active Transport often results in the accumulation of molecules in a specific area, requiring energy input.
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Dec 21, 2023
Diffusion is a fundamental process in gases and liquids, essential for processes like gas exchange in lungs. Active Transport is crucial in biological systems, such as the uptake of glucose in the intestines.
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Diffusion can occur through cell membranes if the substance is permeable to the membrane. Active Transport involves specific protein channels or pumps in the cell membrane.
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The rate of diffusion is influenced by temperature, pressure, and concentration gradient. In contrast, Active Transport is regulated by the availability of ATP and the presence of specific transport proteins.
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Dec 21, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Examples
Oxygen moving into blood cells
Sodium-potassium pump in nerve cells
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Diffusion and Active Transport Definitions
Diffusion
The process of diffusing or the condition of being diffused
The diffusion of new technology around the world.
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Active Transport
Process ensuring concentration of vital ions in cells.
Calcium is transported into muscle cells by active transport.
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Diffusion
The scattering of incident light by reflection from a rough surface.
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Active Transport
Cellular process requiring energy for transport of substances.
Glucose is absorbed into cells by active transport.
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Active Transport
Movement of molecules against a concentration gradient using energy.
Active transport pumps sodium out of cells.
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Diffusion
The spontaneous intermingling of the particles of two or more substances as a result of random thermal motion.
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Active Transport
A selective transport mechanism in cells for specific molecules.
Hormones are secreted by cells using active transport.
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Diffusion
The spread of linguistic or cultural practices or innovations within a community or from one community to another.
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Active Transport
A method of moving ions across cell membranes with ATP.
Potassium ions are moved into cells via active transport.
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Diffusion
The act of diffusing or dispersing something, or the property of being diffused or dispersed; dispersion.
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Diffusion
(physics) The scattering of light by reflection from a rough surface, or by passage through a translucent medium.
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Diffusion
(physics) The intermingling of the molecules of a fluid due to random thermal agitation.
Gaseous diffusion
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Diffusion
The spread of cultural or linguistic practices, or social institutions, in one or more communities.
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Diffusion
(marketing) The gradual spread and adoption of goods or services.
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Diffusion
Exchange of airborne media between regions in space in an apparently random motion of a small scale.
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Diffusion
The movement of water vapor from regions of high concentration (high water vapor pressure) toward regions of lower concentration.
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Diffusion
The act of diffusing, or the state of being diffused; a spreading; extension; dissemination; circulation; dispersion.
A diffusion of knowledge which has undermined superstition.
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Diffusion
The act of passing by osmosis through animal membranes, as in the distribution of poisons, gases, etc., through the body. Unlike absorption, diffusion may go on after death, that is, after the blood ceases to circulate.
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Diffusion
(physics) the process of diffusing; the intermingling of molecules in gases and liquids as a result of random thermal agitation
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Dec 13, 2023
Diffusion
The spread of social institutions (and myths and skills) from one society to another
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Diffusion
The act of dispersing or diffusing something;
The dispersion of the troops
The diffusion of knowledge
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can diffusion occur without a membrane?
Yes, in any medium with a concentration gradient.
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Dec 21, 2023
What is essential for diffusion to occur?
A concentration gradient is necessary.
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Is active transport a quick process?
It can be slower due to its complexity and energy use.
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Are diffusion and osmosis the same?
No, osmosis is the diffusion of water specifically.
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What types of cells use active transport?
All types, especially nerve and muscle cells.
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Do all substances use the same transport protein?
No, specific proteins transport specific substances.
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Is active transport a form of bulk transport?
No, it's usually for individual molecules or ions.
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Does temperature affect diffusion?
Yes, higher temperatures increase diffusion rate.
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How does a cell maintain its internal environment?
Through processes like diffusion and active transport.
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Can active transport occur without ATP?
No, it requires energy, usually in the form of ATP.
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Dec 21, 2023
Is diffusion important in human respiration?
Yes, it's vital for gas exchange in the lungs.
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Dec 21, 2023
Can active transport cause fatigue?
It can use significant cellular energy.
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Does active transport require a membrane?
Yes, it involves transport across cell membranes.
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Dec 21, 2023
Can active transport go in any direction?
It can move substances in either direction, against the gradient.
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Dec 21, 2023
Are there diseases related to faulty active transport?
Yes, like cystic fibrosis due to chloride ion transport issues.
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Dec 21, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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