Answer to Question #111762 in Cell Biology for MAKHUOGA ALFRED FRIDAY

Question

2. Summarise the manner in which small molecules are permitted to pass through the membrane ensuring you explain the difference between passive, facilitated, active, and coupled transport by comparing and contrasting them.

Answer 1

Passive transport is a naturally occurring phenomenon and

does not require the cell to exert any of its energy to accomplish the movement. Diffusion also falls under passive transport where ions from high concentration to

low, using no metabolic energy. In facilitated transport materials diffuse across the plasma

membrane with the help of membrane proteins. In facilitated

transport the material being transported is first attached to protein or glycoprotein

receptors on the exterior surface of the plasma membrane. This allows the material that is

needed by the cell to be removed from the extracellular fluid.