Question

Is facilitated diffusion an example of active transport?

Answer 1

Active Transport:

1. This is a biological process in which the molecules move against the concentration gradient & require chemical energy to move biochemical compounds from the lower region to the high region.
2. Therefore, this process uses ATP – Adenosine triphosphate to pump molecules through a concentration gradient.

Facilitated Diffusion:

1. In this biological process, energy is not required for transporting molecules, as biochemicals move from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.
2. All particles which are easily soluble are then transported through passive transport.
3. This process is then carried out to maintain balance and equilibrium level in a cell.
4. Osmosis, diffusion and facilitated diffusion are some of the examples of passive transport.
5. Thus, facilitated diffusion is not an example of active transport because it does not require energy for transport of molecules.