Question

Is facilitated diffusion an example of active transport

Answer 1

Facilitated diffusion is a form of passive transport that doesn't require energy and moves molecules down their concentration gradient, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.

Step-by-step explanation:

No, facilitated diffusion is not an example of active transport. Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport that occurs when molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration with the help of membrane proteins like carriers or channels.

This process does not require energy because it involves the substance moving down its concentration gradient. On the other hand, active transport requires the input of energy, usually in the form of ATP, to move substances against their concentration gradient or to transport large molecules that cannot pass through the membrane easily.

An example of facilitated diffusion is the movement of glucose into cells using specific carrier proteins in the cell membrane. Similarly, substances like chloride ions (Cl­) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3) also use facilitated diffusion as they can't efficiently pass through the membrane by simple diffusion.

Active transport mechanisms include the sodium-potassium pump, which moves sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, and vesicle transport, which involves the movement of large particles or fluids.

Answer 2

Fascilitated diffusion is an example of passive transport because a protein carrier helps pass a substance through the cell membrane. No energy is required to do this, which is why it is passive. (Active transport involves the expenditure of energy).