Final answer:
A carrier protein that moves only one type of solute across a cell membrane is called a uniporter. This mechanism is essential for the transport of ions or molecules such as glucose and plays a crucial role in cellular function and homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
A carrier that carries only one type of solute is known as a uniporter. In cellular biology, these carrier proteins are specific for their cargo, which may be an ion or a molecule. They help facilitate the movement of substances across the cell membrane. Unlike symporters and antiporters, which transport two different ions or molecules at the same time, uniporters move only one kind of substance.
These transport conditions are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and for carrying out various cellular functions. For example, glucose transport into cells by insulin is effectively achieved through uniport carrier proteins.