EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -There are two main modes of transport of molecules across any biological membrane. These are passive and active transport. Passive transport, most commonly by diffusion, occurs along a concentration gradient from high to low concentration. No energy is necessary for this mode of transport.

Detailed explanation-2: -Passive transport is a naturally occurring phenomenon and does not require the cell to expend energy to accomplish the movement. In passive transport, substances move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration in a process called diffusion.

Detailed explanation-3: -In facilitated transport, also called facilitated diffusion, material moves across the plasma membrane with the assistance of transmembrane proteins down a concentration gradient (from high to low concentration) without the expenditure of cellular energy.

Detailed explanation-4: -Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport. Even though facilitated diffusion involves transport proteins, it is still passive transport because the solute is moving down the concentration gradient. Small nonpolar molecules can easily diffuse across the cell membrane.

Detailed explanation-5: -Passive transport does not require the cell to expend any energy and involves a substance diffusing down its concentration gradient across a membrane.