In diffusion, substances move from an area of high concentration to an area of low

concentration down a concentration gradient. In osmosis, water moves down a

concentration gradient down a partially permeable membrane. Finally, in active transport,
substances move against the concentration gradient .Unlike in diffusion and osmosis, energy
is needed in the process of active transport in the root hair cells of plants as the movement
is against the concentration gradient from an area of high concentration of solvents to an
area of low concentration, whereas in diffusion and osmosis, the movement is down the
gradient. In diffusion and active transport, dissolved solvents are transported from the large
surface area of root hair cells whereas in osmosis, only water in transported from the
surface area of root hair cells. In addition to this, in active transport a carrier protein is
needed from the cell membrane, however in osmosis a partially permeable membrane is
required.