Final answer:
The process described is facilitated diffusion, where carrier proteins transport specific solutes across the cell membrane by binding the solute, changing shape, and releasing it on the other side without using energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process being described is known as facilitated diffusion, which is a type of passive transport that utilizes carrier proteins. These proteins are specific to certain ions or molecules, binding them on one side of the membrane, changing shape to transport them across the membrane, and then releasing them on the other side. This process does not require energy, as it moves substances down their concentration gradient.
During facilitated diffusion, the carrier protein undergoes a conformational change upon solute binding. This allosteric change enables the transport of the solute across the cell membrane. After the release of the solute, the carrier protein returns to its original shape, ready to bind to another solute molecule. This specificity and ability to regenerate its shape make carrier proteins essential components for cellular transport mechanisms.