Question

How does facilitated diffusion of glucose occur?

Answer 1

Facilitated diffusion:

1. The passive movement of molecules along their concentration gradient is termed facilitated diffusion.
2. The plasma membrane permits only certain selective ions and molecules to move across it, thus, it is a selective process.
3. It is a mediated transport that does not require any expenditure of energy.
4. Various channel proteins and carrier proteins are needed for such transportation.

Facilitated transport of glucose:

1. Due to the large size of glucose, it cannot move across the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane, hence glucose transporters such as carriers are required for its transportation.
2. Hence, it can be said that the transport of glucose through facilitated diffusion takes place with the help of carrier proteins or channel proteins.