What drives the process of diffusion?

Diffusion is driven primarily by the concentration gradient, which refers to the difference in concentration of a substance across a space. Particles naturally tend to move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration in an attempt to reach equilibrium. This process occurs due to the kinetic energy of the particles, causing them to move randomly and spread out over time.

While temperature variations can influence the rate of diffusion, they do not drive the process itself; instead, they affect the energy and movement of the particles. Cellular energy is not a requirement for diffusion, as this process is passive and does not require the input of ATP or any other form of energy. The presence of enzymes is also unrelated to the diffusion process, as enzymes mainly serve as catalysts for biochemical reactions rather than influencing the movement of substances across a concentration gradient.

Thus, the concentration gradient is the fundamental driving force for diffusion, enabling molecules to move towards a lower concentration area naturally.