In a cell membrane, where do substances pass through in facilitated diffusion?

Answered on : 2024-01-24

Sources

Simple diffusion and passive transport (article) | Khan Academy

khanacademy.org

Transport of Small Molecules - The Cell

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

2.14: Facilitated Diffusion

bio.libretexts.org

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In facilitated diffusion, substances pass through the cell membrane with the assistance of membrane proteins, such as channels and carriers. These transport proteins act as channels or gateways in the cell membrane, allowing specific molecules to move down their concentration gradient into or out of the cell. These proteins create a pathway for substances that might otherwise have difficulty crossing the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane, particularly polar or charged molecules. This process helps maintain the balance of essential molecules within the cell and allows for the uptake of important nutrients and removal of waste products [1][3][4][7].

Facilitated diffusion is crucial for the transport of various substances, including sugars, amino acids, and ions, across the cell membrane, ensuring the proper functioning of cells.