Compare and contrast osmosis and facilitated diffusion using the graphic organizer below.
Characteristics: Osmosis and Facilitated Diffusion
What type of molecule uses this form of passive transport?
How are the molecules moved across the cell membrane?
write in your own words
- Type of molecule: Both osmosis and facilitated diffusion involve the movement of water molecules, as well as other small molecules, ions or nutrients.
- Method of movement: In osmosis, water molecules move across the cell membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, through a semi-permeable membrane. In facilitated diffusion, specific transport proteins in the cell membrane help guide the movement of molecules across the membrane, allowing them to passively diffuse down their concentration gradient.
- In summary, osmosis involves the movement of water molecules only, while facilitated diffusion can involve the movement of various small molecules, ions, or nutrients, with the help of specific transport proteins.