Question

Compare facilitated diffusion and simple diffusion. List 3 reasons.

Answer 1

Facilitated diffusion and simple diffusion are compared based on specificity, rapid transport, and types of substances transported.

Step-by-step explanation:

Facilitated diffusion is the movement of substances across a membrane with the help of transport proteins, such as channel proteins or carrier proteins. It is similar to simple diffusion in that it moves substances down their concentration gradient, but it requires specific proteins for movement. There are three main reasons to compare facilitated diffusion and simple diffusion:

1. Specificity: Facilitated diffusion is more specific than simple diffusion because it requires specific transport proteins for each substance being transported.
2. Rapid transport: Facilitated diffusion is generally faster than simple diffusion because it relies on the rapid allosteric changes of the transport proteins.
3. Types of substances transported: Facilitated diffusion is responsible for the movement of large or hydrophilic molecules and charged ions, while simple diffusion is mainly used for small, hydrophobic molecules like oxygen and carbon dioxide.