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What is the difference between Diffusion and facilitated diffusion

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Final answer:

Diffusion is the passive movement of a substance from an area of high to low concentration, while facilitated diffusion is the assisted movement of substances down a concentration gradient with the help of specific membrane receptors or channel proteins. Facilitated diffusion requires the involvement of membrane proteins, unlike simple diffusion. Both processes are important for the transportation of various substances across the cell membrane.

Step-by-step explanation:

Diffusion is the movement of a substance from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, without the help of any additional molecules. It occurs passively and does not require any energy. On the other hand, facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport that involves the movement of substances down their concentration gradient with the help of specific membrane receptors or channel proteins. These proteins assist in transporting substances that would not easily or quickly diffuse across the membrane on their own.

User Szandi
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in facilitated diffusion molecules only move with the aid of a protein in the membrane. Normal diffusion requires molecules to move through a special doorway 
User Richie Bendall
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