Why are gradients important in diffusion and osmosis?

Gradient difference are paramount for diffusion and osmosis to occur. The difference in the concentration will push the substances to diffuse/osmosis into a balanced concentration.

Gradients are important in diffusion and osmosis because it is the gradient that makes the particles move which makes diffusion and osmosis possible. Gradients are basically differences in concentration of a substance across a border. Osmosis and diffusion can happen without an input of energy, so the only way molecules can do this is by traveling down the concentration gradient by travelling from high concentrations to low concentrations.