Dr P Photo

NST1502 Lesson

19 May 2023

SIMPLE DIFFUSION VS FACILITATED DIFFUSION

 What is Diffusion
Diffusion is defined as the movement of atoms, ions, and
molecules from a region of high concentration to a
region of low concentration, or ‘down their
concentration gradient’.
 What causes Diffusion and What happens
During the Process
• The random movement of ‘molecules existing in any state
of solid, liquid, or gas’ increases the kinetic energy of the
system.
• Since diffusion equalizes the concentration of the substance
on both sides of the region, it helps the solution to attain the
state of equilibrium or minimum randomness through this
process.
• If Fick’s laws can describe a diffusion process, it is called a
normal or Fickian diffusion, otherwise, it is named as
anomalous or non-Fickian diffusion.
 Example of Diffusion

• The spreading of the odour of a scent or a perfume from the

region applied to a nearby region

• Dissolving ice, sugar, salt crystals in water to form a

uniform solution
 Basic Characteristics of Diffusion
• It is a fast and spontaneous process
• When occurring across a biological membrane, it is a type of passive transport
• Requires no energy expenditure
• It depends upon the interaction between the diffusing material and the medium
in which the diffusion occurs
• It continues until the concentration of the molecules becomes even throughout
the region, or equilibrium is reached
• Takes place only when the diffusing material on both sides of the concentration
gradient is fully or partially miscible
• Diffusion of any one material is independent of the diffusion of any other
substance
 What is the Importance of Diffusion in
Cellular Processes
• a) Gas exchange – Oxygen passes through the capillary
membrane and enters cells to make the concentration even
on both the regions
• b) Respiration – The balance between oxygen and carbon
dioxide within the cell is maintained by removing the excess
carbon dioxide from the blood
• c) Excretion – Waste products are eliminated from the
body
• d) Cellular Transport – Essential ions, small molecules,
food, water, and minerals are taken up inside the cell
 What Factors Affect Diffusion
The different factors that affect diffusion either individually or
collectively are:
• 1) Temperature: Warmer the temperature, higher is the rate of
diffusion.
• 2) Area of Interaction: More the surface area of interacting
molecules, higher is the rate of diffusion.
• 3) The Extent of the Concentration Gradient: Greater the
difference in concentration between the regions, higher is the rate
of diffusion.
• 4) Diffusion Distance: Smaller the distance covered by the
diffusing molecules, faster is the rate of diffusion.
What are the Different Types of Diffusion

• Simple Diffusion

• Facilitated Diffusion
 Homework

• What is the different between simple diffusion

and facilitated diffusion.

• Comment on the opened discussion forum and

comment on one of your peer's discussion.
Thank you

Ke a leboga
•