Biology 2601L: Diffusion

Diffusion

The net movement of particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration, resulting from a physical process based upon random motion

Diffusion in cells

Some substances pass into or out of cells and move about within the cells by simple diffusion

Concentration gradient

A difference in the concentration of particles when particles (atoms, ions, or molecules) aren’t evenly distributed

The rate of diffusion

Determined by the movement of particles; a function of size, shape, electrical charges, and temperature

Diffusion Equilibrium

No net change in the system of particles; uniformly distributed