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Solutes are not necessarily ions.

Solute transporters and ion channels involve the moving of ions across a cellular membrane. Both a transporter and a channel have the same purpose, but different functions. Ion channels are proteins that open a pore often in the presence of a ligand, or a binding partner, that allows for a free flow of ions through its gap. A transporter is defined much the same, but involves an occluded state, or a state in which the ion is trapped within the protein, and must wait for either side of the protein to open before it can escape.

Technically, the difference between a transporter and an ion channel is very ambiguous as both seem to use very similar pathways. However, for clarity sake, channels are proteins which open a clear tunnel for passage. While transporters utilize stepwise changes in protein conformation which trap the ion and then allow it to move down to the other side of the membrane.

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What is the basic difference between simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion across a cell membrane?

The basic difference between simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion lies in the mechanism of transport. Simple diffusion involves the movement of small, nonpolar molecules directly across the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane without the need for protein assistance, driven by a concentration gradient. In contrast, facilitated diffusion requires specific transport proteins, such as channels or carriers, to help larger or polar molecules cross the membrane, also following a concentration gradient. Both processes are passive and do not require energy.


Why the line-with-gaps model is not suitable to explain facilitated diffusion?

Facilitated diffusion is a carrier-mediated form of transport across a membrane. The line-with-gaps model doesn't show the carrier proteins that are in the cell membrane. These proteins are what help facilitated diffusion occur.


What is the difference between facilitated diffusion and diffusion?

The difference between diffusion and facilitated diffusion is that facilitated diffusion is that the molecules pass through special protein channels.


What are the similarities between diffusion and facilitated diffusion?

Diffusion is the main method by wich small molecules move across the cell membrane. while many cellular processes depend on osmosis because cells cannot function properly without adequate water. Facilitated diffusion works through channels and Osmosis only works with water.


What are the factors needed for maintaining the direction of diffusion?

Maintaining the direction of diffusion relies on factors such as a concentration gradient (difference in concentration between two areas), permeability of the membrane through which substances are diffusing, and the presence of barriers or channels that guide the diffusion process in a specific direction. Additionally, factors such as temperature, pressure, and size of molecules can also influence the direction of diffusion.

Related Questions

What is the difference between diffusion and facilitate diffusion?

The difference between diffusion and facilitated diffusion is that facilitated diffusion is that the molecules pass through special protein channels.


What is the basic difference between simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion across a cell membrane?

The basic difference between simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion lies in the mechanism of transport. Simple diffusion involves the movement of small, nonpolar molecules directly across the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane without the need for protein assistance, driven by a concentration gradient. In contrast, facilitated diffusion requires specific transport proteins, such as channels or carriers, to help larger or polar molecules cross the membrane, also following a concentration gradient. Both processes are passive and do not require energy.


What is the difference between passive diffusion and facilitated diffusion?

Passive diffusion is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from an area of high concentration to low concentration without the need for a protein carrier. Facilitated diffusion, on the other hand, requires the presence of specific protein channels or carriers to help molecules move across the membrane.


Why the line-with-gaps model is not suitable to explain facilitated diffusion?

Facilitated diffusion is a carrier-mediated form of transport across a membrane. The line-with-gaps model doesn't show the carrier proteins that are in the cell membrane. These proteins are what help facilitated diffusion occur.


What is the difference between facilitated diffusion and diffusion?

The difference between diffusion and facilitated diffusion is that facilitated diffusion is that the molecules pass through special protein channels.


What is the difference between facilitated diffusion with the help of a carrier molecule with the help of a transport protein?

Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport (does not require energy). It is called facilitated diffusion because it utilises the carrier protein to diffuse through it. Active transport requires energy to pump certain big molecules to cross over and this uses transport protein. Basically, the difference is just the usage of energy.


What is the difference between facilitated diffusion and simple diffusion in terms of the mechanisms by which molecules move across a cell membrane?

Facilitated diffusion involves the movement of molecules across a cell membrane with the help of specific proteins, while simple diffusion does not require any proteins and relies on the molecules moving freely through the membrane.


What is the similarity between simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion?

both need transport protein


What is the difference between diffusion and facilitated diffusion in terms of the movement of molecules across a cell membrane?

Diffusion is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from an area of high concentration to low concentration without the need for a protein. Facilitated diffusion also moves molecules from high to low concentration, but requires a specific protein to help them pass through the membrane.


What is the difference between facilitated diffusion with the help of a carrier molecule and active transport with help of a transport protein?

The carrier mole accompanies the transported mole through the plastic brain, and is then sent across the bran.sport teens channels are most likely very large and are as such bedded in the bi layer!


What is the difference between dilute and dilution?

what is the difference between a diffusion and a dilution


Compare and contrast between osmosis and facilitated diffusion?

Osmosis is when a solvent moves from a lower concentration to a higher concentration. Facilitated diffusion is when a solvent moves down the concentration gradient through carrier molecules.