Facilitated diffusion

What is Facilitated diffusion?

Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport that involves the movement of particles or molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration through a membrane or other permeable barrier, with the aid of specific proteins or transport mechanisms. These proteins, called carriers or channels, allow specific particles or molecules to pass through the membrane more easily and selectively, and facilitated diffusion is also driven by the concentration gradient of the particles or molecules.

Facilitated diffusion is a passive diffusion process, meaning that it does not require the expenditure of energy to occur. Instead, the movement of particles or molecules through the membrane is driven by the concentration gradient, which naturally tends to equalize the concentration of the particles or molecules on either side of the membrane.

Facilitated diffusion is an important process that occurs in many biological systems, including the movement of ions, sugars, and amino acids through cell membranes. It plays a critical role in maintaining the balance of substances within cells and tissues, and it is essential for many physiological processes, such as the uptake of nutrients and the elimination of waste products.

Facilitated diffusion example

Here is an example of facilitated diffusion:

The movement of glucose into cells is an example of facilitated diffusion. Glucose is an important source of energy for cells, and it must be transported across the cell membrane in order to be used by the cell.

To enter the cell, glucose molecules bind to specific proteins called glucose transporters, which are located in the cell membrane. These transporters act as channels or carriers, allowing glucose molecules to pass through the membrane more easily and selectively.