Importance of diffusion to living organisms Diffusion is basically the movement of chemical species (ions

or molecules) under the influence of concentration difference. The species will move from the high
concentration area to the low concentration area till the concentration is consistent in the whole system.
Diffusion mostly occurs in gases and liquids as these can move freely. The main features of an efficient
diffusion system would be that it has a large surface area, thin membrane and a continuous supply of
substances. A large surface area is needed so that high amount of substances can be exchanged at a time
while the thin membrane means that the diffusion pathway would be short so that it is more efficient. The
continuous supply would help in maintaining a concentration gradient which is essential for diffusion to
take place.