wayground logo

Free Printable Worksheets

Font size

S
M
L
XL
Worksheets

2/22/22

Total questions: 142

Worksheet time: 4hrs 53mins

Name
Class
Date
1.
A scientist performs an experiment to see if acids have an effect on the health of a particular type of plant. Three sets of plants were treated with acidic solutions of known pH while the control set was treated with a solution of neutral pH 7.Which is the best conclusion for this experiment?
a)
Acid has no effect on the health of this type of plant.
b)
B. High acidity is helpful to this type of plant.
c)
C. Low acidity is harmful to this type of plant.
d)
High acidity is harmful to this type of plant.
2.
The graph below shows atmospheric carbon dioxide levels since the year 1880.Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from this graph
a)
 Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are responsible for global temperature change.
b)
 Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have been rising at about the same rate for the past century.
c)
Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have remained the same over the past century.
d)
 Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have been rising at an increasingly higher rate as the past century has progressed.
3.
A research group has discovered that damselflies, a type of dragonfly, are being infected by a particular type of aquatic protozoan. Both young and adult damselflies are not directly infected by the protozoan but contract the infection from the prey they eat. The graph shows the percentage of adult damselflies infected by protozoans during the summer and early fal
a)
Infection in embanked ponds increased during the sampling period.
b)
Protozoans were more common in creek-fed ponds than embanked ponds.
c)
Protozoans reproduce more quickly in embanked ponds than creek-fed ponds.
d)
Infection in creed-fed ponds remained constant throughout the sampling period.
4.
Carmen conducted an experiment to determine if listening to different types of music would affect a person’s pulse. Her hypothesis was that pulse rate would change with different types of music. Each person listened to seven different selections of music for 30 seconds each. Each person’s pulse was taken before the music and then after each 30-second interval of music. The pulses were taken again after the music selections were completed. Based on her experiment, Carmen concluded that a person’s pulse rate changed when the person listened to different types of music.  Which component is missing from Carmen’s experiment?
a)
a question
b)
a hypothesis
c)
a control group
d)
a description of the experiment
5.
An osmosis investigation was conducted using chicken eggs to represent cells with semipermeable membranes. The mass of each egg was measured to determine how much water diffused into or out of the eggs. The eggs were first soaked in vinegar to dissolve the shell. Each egg was then placed in one of three different solutions for 24 hours. The table below shows the results of the investigation. Based on this experiment, which of the following should be inferred about cells with semipermeable membranes?
a)
Substances other than water may also cross the cell membrane.
b)
Substances other than water may block pores in the cell membrane.
c)
 Water enters the cell when placed in environments of high water concentration.
d)
Water leaves the cell when placed in environments with a low concentration of solutes
6.
In order to be accepted, a scientific theory must be
a)
 widely tested and supported by extensive data
b)
 based on the results of a single experiment
c)
 controversial and cause debate
d)
 in line with all previous historical ideas
7.
In an appropriately designed experiment, a scientist is able to test the effect of
a)
 a single variable
b)
 multiple variables
c)
 the hypothesis
d)
 scientific observations
8.
Which statement best expresses a basic scientific assumption?
a)
Interpretation of experimental results has provided explanations for all natural phenomena.
b)
If a conclusion is valid, similar investigations by other scientists should result in the same conclusion.
c)
For any conclusion to be valid, the design of the experiment requires that only two groups be compared.
d)
After a scientist formulates a conclusion based on an experiment, no further investigation is necessary.
9.
Conclusions based on an experiment are most likely to be accepted when
a)
they are consistent with experimental data and observations
b)
 they are derived from investigations having many experimental variables
c)
 scientists agree that only one hypothesis has been tested
d)
 hypotheses are based on one experimental design
10.
An experiment was carried out to determine whether drinking caffeinated soda increases pulse rate. The pulse rates of two groups of people at rest were measured. Group A was then given caffeinated soda and group B was given caffeine-free soda. One hour after drinking the soda, the pulse rates were measured. The participants in the experiment were all the same age, and they were all given the same amount of soda. The dependent variable in this experiment is the
a)
type of soda given to each group
b)
amount of soda given to each group
c)
 pulse rate of each group
d)
age of participants in each group
11.
How can you tell this plant is a living thing?
a)
It doesn't move.
b)
It is made up of different parts.
c)
It responds to a change in its environment.
d)
It needs shelter.
12.

The following list represents characteristics of a living thing :

a)

made of cells, has lungs, can reproduce

b)

grows and develops, responds to surroundings, can move

c)

has similar chemicals, makes noises, made of cells

d)

made of cells, grows and develops, uses energy

13.

Which of these do living things NOT need for a species to survive?

a)

DNA/RNA

b)

ability to respond to change

c)

ability to make a permanent home

d)

ability to reproduce

e)

ability to use energy

14.
Which of the following characteristics of living things best explains why humans sweat when they get hot?
a)
maintaining a stable internal enviornment
b)
growth and development
c)
using energy
d)
ability to reproduce
15.

Which of the following characteristics of living things best explains why birds fly south for the winter?

a)

Living things respond to their environment.

b)

Living things maintain internal balance.

c)

Living things are made up of units called cells.

d)

Living things are based on a universal genetic code.

16.
Before a soccer game Charlie always eats a big dinner. Which characteristic of life does this face best describe? 
a)
living things use energy
b)
living things reproduce
c)
living things grow and develop
d)
living things are based on a universal genetic code
17.

Which one of the following is a characteristic of life?

a)

Growth

b)

Breathing

c)

Expelling toxins

d)

Photosynthesis

18.
The maturation of an organism is......
a)
Growth
b)
Development
c)
Adaptation
d)
Evolution
19.

A molecule that contains hereditary information.....

a)

carbohydrate

b)

protein

c)

Lipid

d)

Nucleic Acid

20.

An organism made up of more than one cell would be called:

a)

multicellular

b)

unicellular

c)

heterotroph

d)

autotroph

21.

A ____________________ is a large molecule.

a)

Micromolecule

b)

Macromolecule

c)

Amino Acid

d)

Monosaccharide

22.

Which of the following elements are found in all macromolecules?

a)
b)
c)
d)
23.

A __________________ is a large molecule made of many small ones.

a)

Monomer

b)

Dissacharide

c)

Polymer

d)

Sugar

24.

Which of the following is not one of the four major classes of biomolecules?

a)

Lipids/Fats

b)

Carbohydrates

c)

Nucleic Acids

d)

Bacteria

e)

Proteins

25.

Which macromolecule is used as our main source of energy?

a)

Nucleic Acids

b)

Lipids/fats

c)

Proteins

d)

Carbohydrates

26.

Which of the following is an example of carbohydrates?

a)

Steak

b)

Olive oil

c)

Bread

d)

DNA

27.

_______________ are the monomers of carbohydrates.

a)

Monosaccharides

b)

Polymers

c)

Complex sugars

d)

Fructose

28.

Which macromolecule stores energy?

a)

Carbohydrates

b)

Proteins

c)

Lipids/Fats

d)

Nucleic Acids

29.

What is the monomer of lipids/fats?

a)

Fatty Acids

b)

DNA

c)

Monosaccharides

d)

Polymers

30.

Protein is found in...

a)

DNA

b)

Olive Oil

c)

Bread

d)

Steak

31.

The monomer of proteins is...

a)

Polymers

b)

Monosaccharides

c)

Fatty Acids

d)

Amino Acids

32.

What is the monomer of nucleic acids?

a)

RNA

b)

DNA

c)

Nucleotides

d)

Nucleic pieces

33.

Nucleic acids make up which of the two molecules listed below?

a)

RNA

b)

FDA

c)

DNA

d)

RDA

34.

Enzymes are capable of increasing the rate of a chemical reaction within a living cell. Enzymes accomplish this through which of the following means?

a)

reducing the number of products

b)

reducing the activation energy

c)

increasing the temperature of the cell

d)

increasing the concentration of reactants

35.

The graph shows how enzymes affect reactions in cells. Which statement best summarizes the information shown in the graph?

a)

Enzymes increase the energy of the reactants.

b)

Enzymes decrease the energy level of the products.

c)

Enzyme decrease the activation energy of the reaction.

d)

Enzymes reverse the direction of the reaction.

36.

Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from this graph?

a)

The optimum pH of the enzyme is 6.6.

b)

The optimum pH of the enzyme is 5.8

c)

The enzyme’s activity increases as pH increases 5.0 to 9.0

d)

The enzyme’s activity is greater around pH of 8.0 .

37.

Which statement best describes the enzyme represented in the graphs below?

a)

This enzyme works best at a temperature of 35°C and a pH of 8

b)

This enzyme works best at a temperature of 50°C and a pH of 12

c)

Temperature and pH have no influence on the activity of this enzyme

d)

This enzyme works best at a temperature above 50°C and a pH above 12

38.

Which of these is NOT true.

a)

Enzymes can denature (change shape) when the temperature gets too high.

b)

Enzymes can only be used once in a chemical reaction.

c)

Enzymes can denature when the pH changes.

d)

Enzymes speed up chemical reactions.

39.

When the temperature or pH causes the enzyme to change so it no longer works, this is called ....

a)

Allosteric inhibition

b)

Substrate concentration

c)

Denaturation

d)

Active Site transference

40.

Which substrate would this enzyme catalyze?

a)

Δ

b)

σ

c)

d)

Π

41.

Letter D is the .....

a)

active site

b)

enzyme

c)

substrate

d)

products

42.

Letter C is the.....

a)

active site

b)

enzymes

c)

substrate

d)

products

43.

Letter B is the.....

a)

active site

b)

enzyme

c)

substrate

d)

products

44.

What piece supports the microscope and is used to transport the microscope from one place to another?

a)

Eyepiece

b)

Stage

c)

Base

d)

Light Source

45.

What piece supports the body tube and is also used to transport the microscope from one place to another, along with the base?

a)

Arm

b)

Stage

c)

Aperture

d)

Objective

46.

What piece contains a high-power magnifying lens (40x)?

a)

HIgh-power Objective

b)

Eyepiece

c)

Low-power Objective

d)

Stage

47.

What piece contains a low- power magnifying lens (4x)?

a)

HIgh-power Objective

b)

Eyepiece

c)

Low-power Objective

d)

Stage

48.

What piece is the platform that supports the microscope slide?

a)

Base

b)

Diaphragm

c)

Stage Clips

d)

Stage

49.

What piece holds the microscope slide in place ?

a)

Base

b)

Diaphragm

c)

Stage Clips

d)

Stage

50.

What piece is a larger knob usually found on either the body tube or the arm and it is used to focus the image under low power?

a)

Aperture

b)

Fine Adjustment Knob

c)

Diaphragm

d)

Course Adjustment Know

51.

What piece is the smaller knob, found near the course adjustment knob, and is used to focus the image under low and high power?

a)

Aperture

b)

Fine Adjustment Knob

c)

Diaphragm

d)

Course Adjustment Know

52.

What piece is found between the base and the stage and shines light through the object being viewed and into the microscope ?

a)

Aperture

b)

Fine Adjustment Knob

c)

Light Source

d)

Stage Clips

53.

Which of the following should you NOT do when handling a microscope?

a)

Only use lens paper for cleaning

b)

Carry with one hand

c)

Always store covered

d)

Be careful of cords

54.
Find the total magnification: 
Eyepiece = 10X 
Objective lens = 55X
 
a)
10x
b)
55x
c)
65x
d)
550x
55.

You can find total magnification by which of the following methods? (Ocular = eyepiece)

a)

ocular PLUS objective

b)

ocular TIMES objective

c)

ocular MINUS objective

d)

ocular DIVIDED BY objective

56.
When looking at a specimen on your slide, you should always start with the
a)
low objective lens
b)
medium objective lens
c)
high objective lens
d)
super extra high power lens
57.
When looking through your microscope, you move your slide to the right- It appears
a)
to move to the right
b)
to stay the same
c)
to move to the left
d)
vanish
58.
Who was the person who used his microscope to observe a thin slice of cork, and concluded that the cork was made up of cells?
a)
Robert Hooke
b)
Bill Nye
c)
Matthias Schleiden
d)
Rudolf Virchow
59.
Find total magnification for:
Eyepiece = 20X 
Objective lens = 20X
 
a)
20x
b)
40x
c)
200x
d)
400x
60.
Find the total magnification:
Eyepiece = 15X 
Objective lens = 100X
 
a)
15x
b)
100x
c)
115x
d)
1500x
61.

True or False: An electron microscope gives a higher resolution than a light microscope.

a)

True

b)

False

c)

Only in certain conditions

62.

True or False: You cannot see the nucleus of a cheek cell with a light microscope.

a)

True

b)

False

c)

Only under certain conditions

63.

Select the best answer to the question: Explain why a scientist might choose to use an electron microscope rather than a light microscope.

a)

The light microscope won't show as much and it doesn't make the picture as bigger as the electron microscope.

b)

Electron microscope is better for a scientist to choose than a light microscope it uses electrons and not light.

c)

An electron microscope gives a greater magnification and better resolution than a light microscope.

d)

Scientists might need to choose the electron microscope because it is cheaper and easier than the light microscope.

64.

Which statement refers to a Prokaryote?

a)

DNA is in the nucleus

b)

They are multicellular

c)

They have membrane-bound organelles

d)

DNA is free in the cytoplasm

65.

Which statement refers to a Prokaryote?

a)

DNA is in the nucleus

b)

They are multicellular

c)

They have membrane-bound organelles

d)

DNA is free in the cytoplasm

66.

Check all that apply about Prokaryotes

a)

Have a nucleus

b)

Have a cell membrane

c)

Bacteria

d)

Plant, Animal, Fungi, Protists

67.

This is an example of a

a)

Eukaryote

b)

Prokaryote

c)

Plant cell

d)

Animal cell

68.

Which types of cells are Eukaryote. Check all that apply.

a)
b)
c)
d)
69.

Eukaryotes have the DNA

a)

In a nucleus

b)

Free in the cytoplasm

c)

There is no DNA

70.

Eukaryotic cells are more complex than prokaryotic cells.

a)

True

b)

False

c)

Can not be determined

71.

This is a...

a)

Prokaryotic Cell

b)

Eukaryotic Cell

c)

Neither

72.

A cat is an example of a...

a)

Prokaryote

b)

Eukaryote

c)

Both

d)

Neither

73.

A sunflower is an example of a...

a)

Prokaryote

b)

Eukaryote

c)

Both

d)

Neither

74.

E. coli (a bacteria) is an example of a...

a)

Prokaryote

b)

Eukaryote

c)

Both

d)

Neither

75.

The word pro, of prokaryotes means...

a)

That it have a nucleus

b)

Before the nucleus

c)

That have cytoplasm

d)

That is a non living thing

76.

Select two similar organelles in prokaryotic and eukaryotic

a)

They have membrane bound organelles

b)

They have cytoplasm.

c)

The have nucleus.

d)

They have ribosomes.

77.

Which do BOTH prokaryotes and eukaryotes contain?

a)

nucleus

b)

mitochondria

c)

ribosomes

d)

cell wall

78.

Which does only eukaryotic cells contain?

a)

nucleus

b)

DNA

c)

cell membrane

d)

ribosomes

79.

Prokaryotic cells do not have…….

a)

membrane bound organelles

b)

cell membrane

c)

DNA or RNA

d)

life

80.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of a Prokaryotic cell?
a)
unicellular
b)
floating DNA
c)
very small
d)
complex
81.

This organelle turns radiant energy into sugar. This is where photosynthesis occurs.

a)

cell wall

b)

chloroplast

c)

cell membrane

d)

nucleus

82.

This organelle is LARGER in plant cells than animal cells. It stores food, water and waste.

a)

nucleus

b)

cell membrane

c)

cell wall

d)

vacuole

83.

The cell wall is found in which cell

a)

bacteria

b)

animal cell

c)

plant cell

d)

virus

84.
Where are chloroplasts found?
a)
Plant cells only
b)
Both plant and animal cells
c)
Animal cells only
85.
Plants and animal cells both have a nucleus.
a)
True
b)
False
86.

An animal cell has a cell wall

a)

true

b)

false

87.

Which of the following, found ONLY in plant cells, provides structure?

a)

cell wall

b)

chloroplast

c)

mitochondria

d)

vacuole

88.

What kind of cell is this?

a)

plant

b)

animal

89.

What kind of cell is this?

a)

plant

b)

animal

90.

Name two parts that are in the plant cell but that are NOT in an animal cell.

a)

cell wall and cell membrane

b)

cell membrane and chloroplasts

c)

cell wall and chloroplasts

d)

cell wall and cytoplasm

91.

The cell wall provides this for the plant

a)

keeps all organelles within the cell

b)

makes energy from food

c)

stores food and water

d)

protection and support

92.

Chloroplast in cells do this.

a)

make food for the cells

b)

keep all the organelles within the cell

c)

make energy for the cell

d)

protect the cell and give it support

93.
Plants and animal cells both have a nucleus.
a)
True
b)
False
94.
Provides extra support for the plant cell and gives in shape
a)
chlorophyll
b)
chloroplast
c)
cell wall
d)
vacuole
95.
A storage structure- in an animal cell there are many small ones, but in a plant cell there is just one large one.
a)
vacuole
b)
ribosomes
c)
golgi body
d)
chloroplast
96.
Which one of the following organelles is not found in a an animal cell?
a)
cell membrane
b)
nucleus
c)
chloroplast
d)
endoplasmic reticulum
97.

An animal cell has the following except a/an...

a)

Nucleus

b)

Lysosome

c)

Cell Wall

d)

Endoplasmic reticulum

98.
The vacuoles in ________ cells are smaller.
a)
Animal
b)
Plant
99.
This cell can produce it's own food through photosynthesis. 
a)
Animal
b)
Plant
100.
Which organelle belongs in plant cells only?
a)
Cell Membrane
b)
Mitochondrion
c)
Chloroplast
d)
Nucleus
101.
Which organelle belongs in both plant and animal cells?
a)
Cytoplasm
b)
Chloroplast
c)
Large Central Vacuole
d)
Cell Wall
102.

What is the best description of a chloroplasts function?

a)

holds the cell up and keeps a square shape so the cell can stack on top of each other

b)

regulates what comes in and out of the cell

c)

helps to keep the cell's organelles in place

d)

contains chlorophyll, which is molecule that allows the cell to use light energy to turn water and carbon dioxide into sugars and oxygen

103.

Choose the statement below that is TRUE.

a)

Plant and animal cells both have cell walls so the cell can maintain its shape.

b)

Animal cells do not have chloroplasts because animals do not require the use of photosynthesis to produce their food.

c)

Plant cells do not have a nucleus because plants are not living organisms like animals are.

d)

Animal cells do not have cytoplasm because an animal cell's organelles are free to move around as they please.

104.
Which organelle belongs in plant cells only?
a)
Cytoplasm
b)
Mitochondrion
c)
Cell Wall
d)
Nucleus
105.
Which organelle belongs in both plant and animal cells?
a)
Chloroplast
b)
Mitochondrion
c)
Large Central Vacuole
d)
Cell Wall
106.
Which organelle belongs in both plant and animal cells?
a)
Chloroplast
b)
Cell Wall
c)
Large Central Vacuole
d)
Cell Membrane
107.
Which organelle belongs in both plant and animal cells?
a)
Chloroplast
b)
Cell Wall
c)
Large Central Vacuole
d)

Nucleus

108.

Which organelle belongs in animal cells only?

a)

Chloroplast

b)

Cell Wall

c)

Many Small Vacuole

d)

Nucleus

109.
A rigid layer that lies outside the cell's  membrane is...
a)
Cytoskeleton
b)
Cilia
c)
Cell Wall
d)
Flagella
110.
What type of cell has a defined nucleus and membrane bound organelles.
a)
Bacteria
b)
Prokaryote
c)
Eukaryote
d)
Archaeabacteria
111.
Which of the following structure can be found in a plant cell but NOT an animal cell?
a)
vacuole
b)
nucleus
c)
chloroplast
d)
mitochondria
112.
Which organelle belongs in plant cells only?
a)
Cytoplasm
b)
Mitochondrion
c)
Large Central Vacuole
d)
Cell Membrane
113.
This cell can produce it's own food through photosynthesis. 
a)
Animal
b)
Plant
114.
Under a microscope, a student observes a specimen containing a cell wall, nucleus, and chloroplasts. Which of the following could the specimen being observed belong to?
a)
oak tree leaf
b)
human
c)
bacteria
d)
cat hair
115.
What is the main function of the chloroplasts found in plant cells?
a)
to manufacture chemical energy from food
b)
to remove waste materials
c)
to absorb light energy and make food
d)
to control the shape of the cell
116.
Where is there a low concentration of dye?
a)
at the bottom of cup
b)
in the color
c)
at the top of cup 
d)
no concentration gradient
117.
The picture below is an example of _________________.
a)
osmosis
b)
isotonic
c)
diffusion
d)
active transport
118.
Osmosis is the movement of _____ across a membrane.
a)
food
b)
energy
c)
oxygen
d)
water
119.
Permeable means
a)
things can pass through
b)
the concentration levels are different
c)
it is permanent
d)
things are stuck
120.
Passive transport requires no
a)
concentration gradients
b)
osmosis
c)
motion
d)
energy
121.
What is diffusion?
a)
when molecules move 
b)
when molecules move from a high concentration to a low.
c)
no movement 
d)
molecules move everywhere
122.
Which type of transport requires an input of energy?
a)
Passive Transport
b)
Osmosis
c)
Simple Diffusion
d)
Active Transport
123.
Which form of active transport is being shown?
a)
Facilitated Diffusion
b)
Exocytosis
c)
Endocytosis
d)
Protein Pumps
124.
Which is NOT a form of active transport?
a)
Endocytosis
b)
Osmosis
c)
Exocytosis
d)
Pinocytosis
125.
Which form of active transport is being shown?
a)
Pinocytosis
b)
Endocytosis
c)
Exocytosis
d)
Osmosis
126.
When cells form a vesicle to take in materials, which form of transport is occurring? 
a)
Endocytosis
b)
Exocytosis
c)
Facilitated Diffusion
d)
Osmosis
127.
What is the difference between active and passive transport?
a)
Active does not need energy and passive uses ATP (energy)
b)
Active uses ATP (energy) and passive does not need energy
c)
Active stores transport proteins and passive releases 
d)
Active uses hormones and passive does not 
128.
During osmosis
a)
water moves from high to low concentration
b)
large or oddly shaped molecules move across a cell membrane
c)
water moves when energy is used
d)
proteins are built
129.
In the given scenario what will happen?  An egg is placed in pure water for 48 hours.
a)
The egg will gain water and swell.
b)
Water will move in and out of the cell equally, and the cell with neither shrink nor swell.
c)
The egg will lose water and shrink.
130.
Ideally, your cells should be in a(n) _______ solution
a)
Hypertonic
b)
Hypotonic
c)
Isotonic
d)
Cola
131.
The picture below is an example of _________________.
a)
osmosis
b)
isotonic
c)
diffusion
d)
active transport
132.
Passive transport requires no
a)
concentration gradients
b)
osmosis
c)
motion
d)
energy
133.
_______ regulates what enters and leaves a cell.  
a)
Cell Membrane
b)
Nucleus
c)
Mitochondria
d)
Cytoplasm
134.
Osmosis
a)
diffusion of water molecules through a semi-permeable mebrane from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration
b)
the diffusion of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration
c)
diffusion of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration
d)
the diffusion of particles from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration
135.
The cell below is in a _________ solution.
a)
Hypotonic
b)
Hypertonic
c)
Isotonic
136.
Which cell is placed into a hypotonic environment? 
a)
A
b)
B
c)
C
d)
D
137.
Which way will the water molecules move during osmosis?
a)
Out of the cell, so the cell shrinks.
b)
Out of the cell, so the cell swells.
c)
Into the cell, so the cell shrinks.
d)
Into the cell, so the cell swells.
138.
Where is there a low concentration of perfume?
a)
in the bottle
b)
on the hand
c)
in the room
d)
in the top
139.
What is diffusion?
a)
when molecules move 
b)
when molecules move from a high concentration to a low.
c)
no movement 
d)
molecules move everywhere
140.
Which diagram best shows the end result of diffusion?
a)
F
b)
G
c)
H
d)
J
141.
 An animal cell placed in a hypertonic (salty) solution will
a)
Stay the same
b)
Shrink- get smaller
c)
Swell- get bigger
142.
What is the definition of  Selective Permeability?
a)
The movement of materials across the cell membrane that requires NO ENERGY from the cell.
b)
The movement of materials through (or across) the cell membrane
c)
The ability of the cell membrane to allow some things to pass through while preventing other things from passing through.
d)
The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to a area of low concentration