Question

Write a short note on facilitated diffusion.

Answer 1

1. The passive absorption of solutes when mediated by a carrier, is called Facilitated diffusion.
2. Particles that are lipid soluble can easily diffuse through lipoproteinous cell membrane.
3. The diffusion of hydrophilic solutes has to be facilitated because their diffusion across the membrane is difficult.
4. Membrane proteins provide such sites for facilitated diffusion.
5. These proteins are aquaporins and ion- channels. These proteins help move substances across membranes without the expenditure of energy.
6. Concentration gradient must be present for the molecules to be diffused through facilitated diffusion.