CHAPTER 16
TRANSPORTATION OF SUBSTANCES INSIDE THE BODY
NOTES
The molecules of different substances have a tendency to distribute themselves throughout the
available space is known as diffusion.
It occurs along a concentration gradient. The term diffusion is derived from the Latin word diffundere
meaning “to spread apart”.
According to Fick’s law of diffusion, there are 2 usages of the term diffusion; first law deals with
passage of gas while second law is concerned with dispersion of particles due to concentration
gradient.
The perpetual motion of the molecules due to the kinetic energy present in them is called Brownian
movement.
FLOW CHART OF VARIOUS MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION
Fig. A flowchart showing various means of Transportation
Page | 1
DIFFUSION ACROSS MEMBRANE (LIVING SYSTEM)
Diffusion is a main form of transport within cells and across cell membranes in the living systems.
It is also the means of gaseous exchange for respiration and metabolism.
It occurs in three ways:
Simple Diffusion
Osmosis
Active Transport
SIMPLE DIFFUSION
It is the random movement of substances along a concentration gradient without the expenditure of
energy and any special membrane protein. So, it is also known as passive transport.
Fig: Simple Diffusion
It is driven by the force of diffusion.
Small molecules like H2O, O2, CO2 and polar molecules (but small) such as ethanol is transported
by simple diffusion.
Page | 2
FACTORS AFFECTING RATE OF DIFFUSION
Concentration gradient across the membrane.
Lipid solubility or hydrophobicity of that molecule.
POLAR AND NON-POLAR SOLVENTS
Polar solutes can dissociate into charged ions and dissolve in polar solvents like water, liquid
ammonia etc.
Non- polar solutes cannot dissociate into charged ions but can dissolve in non-polar solvents like
benzene, ethylene, carbon tetrachloride etc.
OSMOSIS
It is a special case of diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane.
The osmotic entry of water causes rise in the level of solution with higher concentration. The pressure
developed is called osmotic pressure. In other words, it is the external pressure required to prevent net
movement of water or solvent. It depends on the molar concentration of the solute.
In the living systems, it is the primary means of transport of water through biological membranes.
Fig. Demonstration of Osmosis
Page | 3
FACILITATED DIFFUSION
Plasma membrane is impermeable to large polar solutes like glucose, amino acids and charged
solutes like Na+, Cl- ions etc.
They are transported along a concentration gradient with the help of membrane protein such as
channel protein or carrier proteins. This is called facilitated diffusion.
Channel protein form pores while carrier protein transfers specifically. In both the cases energy is not
required.
Fig. Facilitated Diffusion
ACTIVE TRANSPORT
The movement of molecules across a membrane against the concentration gradient is called active
transport. It occurs in an uphill manner that requires expenditure of energy from ATP.
Na-K pump moves K+ ions into the cell and Na+ ions out of the cell.
Page | 4
Fig. Active Transport
Fig. Various Means of Transport
Page | 5
ROLE OF DIFFUSION IN METABOLISM
Diffusion is involved in different metabolic processes such as nutrition, exchange of gases, excretion.
DIFFUSION IN NUTRITION
The most important step in nutrition is absorption that occurs by diffusion mainly through the wall of
small intestine (though certain items such as mustard, pepper, condiments and alcoholic drinks may be
absorbed in the stomach).
The digested carbohydrates and amino acids are absorbed by active transport. The transport of amino
acids across the membrane require high concentration of Na+ in the intestinal lumen and it occurs by
rapid and active process; fatty acids and glycerol are absorbed by pinocytosis (but short chain fatty
acids are directly absorbed by simple diffusion) while water soluble vitamins are also absorbed by
simple diffusion.
The digested foods absorbed by the cells of small intestine enter into blood capillaries while fatty acids
and glycerol enter lymphatic vessels. It is important to note that Ca2+ is absorbed by active transport
against the concentration gradient.
DIFFUSION IN EXCRETION
It involves both passive diffusion and active transport. The elimination of waste products from the
body is known as excretion and involves filtration of blood in the Bowman’s capsule.
Some of the useful substances like water, sodium chloride, glucose and amino acids are reabsorbed
into the blood capillaries by active transport (while chloride moves out by passive diffusion).
The re-absorption of water from the filtrate occurs by osmosis.
DIFFUSION IN GASEOUS EXCHANGE
Exchange of gases occurs during respiration. During respiration oxygen is taken up and CO2 is
released out by diffusion across respiratory membrane. The transported gases are again exchanged
between circulatory fluid and tissue.
DIFFUSION: The tendency of molecules of solids, liquids and gases to get evenly distributed
throughout the available spaces is called diffusion.
Page | 6
BROWNIAN MOVEMENT: The perpetual motion of molecules due to the kinetic energy present in
them is known as Brownian movement.
SIMPLE DIFFUSION: The process whereby a substance passes through a membrane without the aid
of an intermediary such as an integral membrane protein.
SEMI-PERMEABLE MEMBRANE: A membrane which allows the passage of certain small molecules
and prevents movement of larger molecules across it is called semi-permeable membrane.
OSMOSIS: The spontaneous movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from
its higher concentration to its lower concentration down a solvent concentration gradient.
OSMOTIC PRESSURE: It is defined as the pressure required maintaining equilibrium, with no net
movement of solvent.
ACTIVE TRANSPORT: The movement of molecules across a membrane against the concentration
gradient is called active transport.
FACILITATED DIFFUSION: The transport of molecules across a plasma membrane which is
facilitated by proteins that provide an alternate route or bypass is called facilitated diffusion.
DIGESTION: The process during which complex food particles are broken down into smallest
possible units so that they can be taken inside the cell is called digestion.
SUMMARY OF COMPARISION AMONGST DIFFUSION, OSMOSIS AND ACTIVE TRANSPORT
SIMPLE DIFFUSION OSMOSIS ACTIVE TRANSPORT
Diffusion is the movement Osmosis is the diffusion of Active transport moves
of particles from a high to water across a membrane. particles from low to higher
lower concentration. concentration.
It is non selective. It is the passage of water It is highly selective.
(solvent).
It does not require any It does not require any It requires special membrane
special membrane protein. special membrane protein. protein.
It is a downhill process. It is a downhill process. It is an uphill process.
A semi-permeable A semi-permeable A membrane is always
membrane may not be membrane is involved. involved
involved.
It does not require It does not require It requires expenditure of
expenditure of energy. expenditure of energy. energy.
Page | 7
Fig. Diagrammatic representation showing differences among Osmosis, Diffusion, Facilitated Diffusion and Active Transport
*******
Page | 8