During diffusion, do molecules move from areas of low concentration to high concentration, or high concentration to low concentration? What about during active transport?

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Biology

Pierce Horne

10 January, 01:57

During diffusion, do molecules move from areas of low concentration to high concentration, or high concentration to low concentration? What about during active transport?

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Answers (1)

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Escobar · Answer 1

1) Diffusion is the move of molecules from high to low concentration.

Molecules move with the concentration gradient (high - > low) in diffusion until concentration is uniform. One example is osmosis - the movement of water.

2) Active transport is the move of molecules from low to high concentration.

This kind of transport requires energy to move against the concentration gradient (low - > high). Think: being "active" requires energy.