Diffusion Through Cell Boundaries
In a solution, particles move constantly. They collide with one another and tend to spread
out randomly. Diffusion is the process by which molecules of a substance move from areas
of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration. Because diffusion depends upon
random particle movements, substances diffuse across membranes without requiring the
cell to use energy. Even when equilibrium is reached, particles of a solution will continue
to move across the membrane in both directions.
Solutes
A
B
C
Explain the process of diffusion using diagrams A & B.
Explain the process of diffusion using diagrams C, make sure to use the vocab term
Is energy use or not used in Diffusion?
Think. You have a container with a semi-permeable membrane in the middle separating
a left and right side. On the left side of the container is a high concentration of salt
solutes, what will happen to the solutes in the container?