What is the Difference between Diffusion, Dialysis, and Osmosis
Diffusion, dialysis and osmosis are the three processes found in nature and performed in laboratories artificially. Not as perfect as nature does, laboratories too have discovered the ways to perform these tasks. The three processes are very helpful in many medical treatments as well. Like, dialysis is the process which is helpful to the kidney patients. But the three should not be confused by referring to the terms they use, they are different and perform different tasks described below.
Diffusion
Diffusion involves movement of the materials from one place to another. The higher the molecular weight of the material, the lower will be the rate of its diffusion. This means that the density of the material is lower means it is diffused easily and in less time. It also depends on the characteristics of the medium in which it takes place. The diffusion through membrane depends on the characteristics of the membrane and the material both.
Osmosis
Osmosis refers to the movement of the water across the membrane. Only water can undergo osmosis no other liquid or solid undergoes this process. It is the process of movement of water from low concentration level to the higher concentration level where, the concentration level refers to of the medium. The membrane has two compartments separated by a wall which contains holes. These holes allow water molecules to pass but not any other molecule.
Dialysis
This is the process that helps our kidneys to waste the waste products and keeps the blood and the body clean from inside from any harmful materials. This process involves a differential membrane which allows the passage of smaller molecules other than the water molecules. Therefore, urea’s and ammonia’s molecules and other toxins are removed from the blood but larger molecules like proteins etc. are kept in the blood.
Diffusion vs Dialysis vs Osmosis
The diffusion differs from the other two in the sense that it involves the materials movements not just water or small molecules. Osmosis involves only water movement from lower to higher concentration levels whereas the dialysis has a membrane which allows the slightly bigger molecules to be passed through it. The help the cleansing and movement of toxic and unwanted materials from one part to another from where they could be discharged.
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