Question

why are gradients important in osmosis and diffusion

Answer 1

Concentration gradient: is a regular concentration change over a distance in a particular direction.
The net directional movement is away from the center of concentration. Diffusion is the net movement down the concentration gradient. Diffusion is caused by the following natural occurrences: thermal motion ( movement caused by the loss of heat ), random molecular movement, and an increase in entropy of the system. In a solution of many different substances each substance diffuses down its own concentration gradient independent of the others. Diffusion is a passive type of transport, it requires no additional energy to make it work. Osmosis is diffusion of water across a biological membrane.