Transport Mechanism: SIMPLE

DIFFUSION
In simple diffusion, molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration,
driven by the concentration gradient. It plays a crucial role in various biological processes.

EM by EFREN MATTHEW DE PERALTA

Definition of Simple
Diffusion
Simple diffusion is the passive movement of molecules across a cell
membrane, driven by the concentration gradient, without the need for energy
input or transport proteins.
Concept of Concentration
Gradient
The concentration gradient refers to the difference in solute concentration
between two areas. Molecules naturally move from regions of high
concentration to low concentration to achieve equilibrium.
Factors Affecting the Rate of Simple
Diffusion
Molecular Size Temperature

Smaller molecules diffuse faster than larger Higher temperatures increase the kinetic
ones due to their ability to pass through the energy of molecules, leading to faster
cell membrane more easily. diffusion rates.

Concentration Gradient Membrane Permeability

A steeper concentration gradient results in A more permeable membrane allows for

faster diffusion as there is a greater faster diffusion as it provides less resistance
difference in solute concentration between to the movement of molecules.
the two areas.
Examples of Simple Diffusion in
Everyday Life

Fragrance Spreading Ink Spread in Water Gas Leakage

When you open a bottle of
perfume, the scent diffuses
throughout the room as the
volatile molecules move from
high to low concentration.
When ink is dropped into
water, it spreads rapidly as the
ink molecules move from an
area of high concentration to
low concentration.
When there is a gas leakage,
the gas molecules disperse
into the surrounding air as they
diffuse from high
concentration to low
concentration.
Importance of Simple
Diffusion in Biological
Processes
Simple diffusion is crucial for various biological processes, such as the
exchange of respiratory gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) across the alveoli
and capillaries in the lungs, nutrient uptake in cells, and waste removal.
Summary and Key Points
1 Simple diffusion 2 Concentration 3 Factors affecting
gradient rate
Passive movement of
molecules from high to The difference in solute Molecular size,
low concentration. concentration that temperature,
drives simple diffusion. concentration gradient,
and membrane
permeability.

4 Everyday examples 5 Importance in biology

Fragrance spreading, ink spread in water, Critical for gas exchange, nutrient uptake,
and gas leakage. and waste removal.