The Movement of Dye Through Agar Gel: Understanding Diffusion

What is the movement of dye through an agar gel an example of?

a. Simple diffusion

b. Osmosis

c. Facilitated diffusion

d. Active transport

What type of transport process doesn't require energy?

a. Simple diffusion

Answer:

The movement of dye through an agar gel is an example of simple diffusion, which is a type of passive transport that doesn't require energy.

When dye moves through an agar gel, it exhibits a process known as simple diffusion. This type of transport involves the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration without the need for energy.

Unlike active transport processes like ion pumps and phagocytosis, which require energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, simple diffusion occurs spontaneously due to the natural tendency of molecules to spread out evenly.

Therefore, the movement of dye through an agar gel serves as a clear example of how simple diffusion operates in biological systems, playing a crucial role in the movement of various substances within cells and across membranes.