How do each of the factors listed in (1) affect the diffusion of solutes? (1) size of the molecule, the polarity of solute, temperature of the solution, and pH of the solution. Solution Diffusion: Diffusion is a process of passive transport in which molecules diffuse down their concentration gradient. Diffusion of molecules mainly depends on the lipid solubility and their size and polarity. Small molecules such as water, gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen ions, etc. can pass through the cell membranes and membranes of cellular organelles by means of simple diffusion. Factors affecting diffusion include, 1). Size of the molecules: Increasing molecule size decreases the diffusion tendency 2). The polarity molecules: Increasing polarity decreases the diffusion ability and vice versa. Because the cell membrane is a lipid bilayer 3). Temperature of the solution: Increasing temperature increases the diffusion rate and vice versa. Increase in temperature increases the movement of molecules in the solution. 4). pH of the solution: It depends upon the properties of the solute. If the altered pH affects the stability of the solute, the diffusion rate changes..