B2.

2 Movement in and out of

the cell
• B.2.2.1 Passive transportation
• Diffusion and Osmosis

Year 10
Co-ordinated Science
Learning Objectives

• Explain what diffusion is.
• State that substances
move into and out of cells by
diffusion through the cell
membrane.
• Identify the Factors affecting
rate of diffusion
Diffusion

Diffusion is the net

movement of
substances from a region of
higher concentration to a
region of lower
concentration.
The following
video
demonstrates
diffusion in
solution
 Concentration gradients
• When there is an area of higher concentration next to an area
of lower concentration, we say there is a concentration gradient.
• It appears that the particles are moving down the concentration
gradient. Most of them are but some are also moving up it. It is a net
movement—more are moving one way than the other.

• Diffusion is the net movement of particles from a region of their

higher concentration to a region of their lower concentration down
a concentration gradient, as a result of their random movement.
Diffusion across a
Cell Membrane

• If there is a higher concentration of a

particular molecule outside a cell, a net
movement will occur through the
membrane.

• The same will happen where there is a higher

concentration inside but in reverse.

• The molecules are moving across the cell

membrane by diffusion.
Diffusion of gases
from alveoli to the
cells
• The lungs are divided into many
tiny air sacs
called alveoli which increase
surface area. 
• The lungs are moist and kept at
body temperature. All these
features allow rapid diffusion of
oxygen molecules from the lungs
into the blood, and carbon
dioxide from the blood into the
lungs. This is called gas
exchange.
Diffusion in daily
life
Describe the application of
diffusion in daily life. Work in a
group of 2 and provide the
examples of diffusion in everyday
life with relevant scientific
justification
Test yourself Gas exchange across membranes
occurs by the process of diffusion.

Recall what diffusion is.
Select the correct words and drag them to
the space below.
 What are the factors affecting the rate of diffusion?

Concentration gradient Higher the concentration gradient

higher the rate of diffusion
Temperature Molecules move and diffuse at higher
temperature
Size of molecules Smaller the size of molecules, higher
the rate of diffusion
Surface area The larger the surface area, the faster
the rate of diffusion
Diffusion distance Shorter the diffusion distance, higher
the rate of diffusion
Recall what features promote rapid diffusion in living
creatures.
Summary
• By now you should be able to:
• Explain what diffusion is.
• State that substances move into and out of cells by diffusion through
the cell membrane. 
• Identify the factors affecting the rate of diffusion
Exit Task
• Virtual lab investigation to identify the factors affecting rate of
diffusion.