Dictionary » F » Facilitated diffusion

Facilitated diffusion

Definition

noun

Transport of substances across a biological membrane from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration by means of a carrier molecule. Since the substances move along the direction of their concentration gradients, energy is not required.


Supplement

For example, polar molecules and charged ions dissolved in water can not diffuse freely across cell membrane due to its hydrophobic lipids. They can only be transported across membranes by proteins forming transmembrane channels. Larger molecules are transported by transmembrane carrier proteins, such as permeases that change their conformation as the molecules are carried through, for example glucose or amino acids.


Also called: facilitated transport.
Compare: active transport.
See also: passive transport, diffusion, carrier protein.


Please contribute to this project, if you have more information about this term feel free to edit this page



Results from our forum


In and out cell help

... help them as in active transport? Do they move freely as in simple diffusion or do they use only restricted place to pass as in facilitated diffusion?

See entire post
by JackBean
Thu Nov 08, 2012 7:19 pm
 
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: In and out cell help
Replies: 1
Views: 528

In and out cell help

... the theatre, which transport process does this most resemble (simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, or active transport) AND WHY? 2) An hour later, the same theatre is ...

See entire post
by japjis
Sat Oct 27, 2012 6:50 am
 
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: In and out cell help
Replies: 1
Views: 528

Facilitated Diffusion vs Diffusion

What is facilitated diffusion? I can't find a place that explains it so I can understand it. I have to compare facilitated diffusion ...

See entire post
by luvinpurple
Thu Oct 04, 2012 5:58 am
 
Forum: Cell Biology
Topic: Facilitated Diffusion vs Diffusion
Replies: 1
Views: 1386

Need help with Plasma Membrane

... but in small proportions and in form of mucopolysacchides etc. types of diffusion, simple diffusion is where substances pass through the phospholipid layer, and facilitated diffusion is when it passes through the proteins. yes, its true. osmosis is ...

See entire post
by shubham999
Mon Mar 19, 2012 5:32 am
 
Forum: Cell Biology
Topic: Need help with Plasma Membrane
Replies: 4
Views: 3639

Need help with Plasma Membrane

... and active transport that requires cell energy (ATP). 2 types of diffusion, simple diffusion is where substances pass through the phospholipid layer, and facilitated diffusion is when it passes through the proteins. Do I have this part correct? ...

See entire post
by MissionCO
Sun Mar 04, 2012 1:18 am
 
Forum: Cell Biology
Topic: Need help with Plasma Membrane
Replies: 4
Views: 3639
View all matching forum results

This page was last modified 10:51, 28 October 2008. This page has been accessed 136,583 times. 
What links here | Related changes | Permanent link