Describe facilitated diffusion.
Facilitated diffusion is also referred to as career-mediated diffusion or carrier protein transport. This occurs according to a concentration gradient supported by the carrier protein, for example, diffusion of glucose in Red Blood Cells (RBCs). The cell membrane acts as a site for some molecules to cross the membrane. It does not establish a concentration gradient. Even if promoted by the protein-membrane, without consuming the energy of ATP, there is a concentration gradient so that the molecules are diffused. Due to the input of energy, it can cause the net transport of molecules from low to high concentrations. The maximum transport rate is reached when all protein transporters are used. It is very specific and allows the cell to select the strand on the protein side. The facilitated diffusion is stereospecific as permeases are present as the carrier proteins.
