Purchase Solution

Facilitated Diffusion by Proteins through the Plasma Membrane

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Because materials move from high concentration to low concentration by simple diffusion, and they move the same way by facilitated diffusion, why do cells make proteins to carry out facilitated diffusion? Isn't this just a waste of energy?

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

This solution discusses the plasma membrane, lipid bilayer, carrier protons and ion channels in 236 words.

Solution Preview

Plasma membrane is a dynamic quasi-fluid structure of a cell. Chemically it is made up of protein and lipids bilayer. It is selective-permeable and allows the passage of specific molecules needed by cell.

Lipid bilayer is impermeable to some of the vital molecules like glucose, sodium ions, chloride ions etc. Their transport must therefore be "facilitated" by proteins ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
How Much Do You Know About Genetic Inheritance?

Most of us studied the basics of dominant and recessive genes at some point. However, genetics are much more complicated than this. How far beyond the basics does your knowledge go?

Human Anatomy- Reproductive System

Do you know your reproductive anatomy?

Feeding Babies

Do you know the science behind feeding babies? Test your knowledge with this quiz.

Basic Immunology Quiz

Intro to immuno quiz. Covers the basics of immunology and recognition of foreign substances by the body.

The Plant Body

This quiz will test your knowledge of the anatomy of a common plant.

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • Cell membrane structure and function

    The cell can move larger proteins across a membrane than can be moved by facilitated diffusion. d. It allows cells to select what molecules cross into the cell. e. All of the above are correct. 4.

  • Discussin of Membrane Transport

    Passive processes can by either simple diffusion (directly through the membrane or via a protein hole, usually non-specific) or facilitated diffusion (with the help of a specific carrier protein in the membrane.

  • Facilitated Diffusion of Glucose - Explanation

    So, it needs special proteins called glucose transporters to help it move across by facilitated diffusion. You can think of these proteins as providing channels for the glucose to move through.

  • How do substances (ions, proteins, ligands etc. etc.) cross

    1637 Transport across the cell membrane (Diffusion, Osmosis, Facilitated Diffusion, Active Transport). How do substances (ions, proteins, ligands etc. etc.) cross from one side of the membrane to another?

  • Discussion of Diffusion, Osmosis and Cell Membrane Potential

    This image shows carrier proteins embedded in the cell membrane and also details how these proteins aid in the movement of specific molecules. Note that facilitated diffusion does not require any energy, it is a passive process.

  • Diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion

    The energy, usually in the form of ATP, is harnessed to specific transport proteins that mediate the work. Diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion are defined.

  • 3 Questions

    Immune system cells could produce specific "pore" proteins that would target foreign cells. When the "pore-forming" protein encounters a foreign cell, it would attach to its plasma membrane and form a pore right through the membrane.

  • type of transport mechanism

    Therefore, solute moves from the side of the membrane where the solute is at high concentration to the side of the membrane with low concentration. The steeper the concentration gradient, the faster the rate of facilitated diffusion.

  • Active and Passive Transport in Plant Cells

    Transport proteins function as specific carrier proteins, which facilitate diffusion by binding selectively to a solute on one side of the membrane and releasing the solute on the other side.

View More Related Solutions