Which type of passive transport involves the movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration ?

The type of passive transport that involves the movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration is called Diffusion.

Here are the steps explaining the process:

1. Diffusion is the net movement of molecules or atoms from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration. This happens because molecules are always in motion and tend to move from areas where they are more concentrated to areas where they are less concentrated.

2. In the context of cellular biology, diffusion occurs across a cell membrane. The cell membrane is selectively permeable, meaning it allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others.

3. Small, non-polar molecules can pass directly through the phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane. This is called simple diffusion.

4. Larger or polar molecules require assistance to cross the cell membrane. This is facilitated diffusion, which involves protein channels or carrier proteins.

5. The energy for diffusion comes from the natural, random motion of particles, which is why it is considered a type of passive transport - it does not require additional energy from the cell.

6. The process continues until there is no concentration gradient, meaning the solute is evenly distributed. This state is called equilibrium.

So, in summary, the type of passive transport that involves the movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration is called Diffusion.