AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Facilitated diffusion therefore allows polar and charged molecules, such as carbohydrates, amino acids, nucleosides, and ions, to cross the plasma membrane. Two classes of proteins that mediate facilitated diffusion are generally distinguished: carrier proteins and channel proteins.

Detailed explanation-2: -In facilitated diffusion, molecules diffuse across the plasma membrane with assistance from membrane proteins, such as channels and carriers. A concentration gradient exists for these molecules, so they have the potential to diffuse into (or out of) the cell by moving down it.

Detailed explanation-3: -Facilitated diffusion uses integral membrane proteins to move polar or charged substances across the hydrophobic regions of the membrane. Channel proteins can aid in the facilitated diffusion of substances by forming a hydrophilic passage through the plasma membrane through which polar and charged substances can pass.

Detailed explanation-4: -Channel proteins, gated channel proteins, and carrier proteins are three types of transport proteins that are involved in facilitated diffusion. A channel protein, a type of transport protein, acts like a pore in the membrane that lets water molecules or small ions through quickly.

Detailed explanation-5: -In facilitated diffusion, special proteins help move substances across membranes along the concentration gradient without expenditure of ATP energy. Facilitated diffusion is very specific, it allows cell to select substances for uptake.