Concentration gradient

Concentration gradient refers to the gradual change in the concentration of solutes in a solution as a function of distance through a solution. In biology, the concentration gradient is used to describe the difference in concentration of a substance across a space or a membrane.

Overview

A concentration gradient occurs when the concentration of particles is higher in one area than another. In passive transport, particles will diffuse down a concentration gradient, from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration, until they are evenly spaced. In active transport, however, energy is used to move particles against their concentration gradient, from areas of lower concentration to areas of higher concentration.

Role in Biological Systems

In biological systems, concentration gradients are integral to many processes, including osmosis, diffusion, and active transport. These processes are essential for the transport of necessary materials, such as nutrients and waste products, into and out of cells.

Osmosis

Osmosis is the movement of solvent molecules from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration through a semi-permeable membrane. This process is driven by the concentration gradient.

Diffusion

Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. This process continues until the concentration of substances is uniform throughout.

Active Transport

Active Transport is the movement of ions or molecules across a cell membrane into a region of higher concentration, assisted by enzymes and requiring energy.

See Also

• Cell Membrane
• Passive Transport
• Solute
• Solution

References

Concentration gradient Resources
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