
Differentiate between simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion?
Answer
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Hint: Simple diffusion is the movement of particles takes place along the direction of the concentration gradient. Whereas, in facilitated diffusion, the movement of molecules can occur both ways – along the direction as well as opposite of the concentration gradient.
Complete answer:
Note: Movement of metabolites across the membrane along the concentration gradient as well as without the use of a carrier molecule is called simple diffusion. Simple diffusion is relatively a slow process. On the contrary side, facilitated diffusion is a more rapid form, in this process molecules move through channels in the membrane.
Complete answer:
Characteristics | Simple Diffusion | Facilitated Diffusion |
Definition | Simple diffusion is a type of passive transport. It is simply the unassisted movement of solute, occurs when its electrochemical potentials on the two sides of a permeable barrier varies | Facilitated diffusion is type of operation of biological transport. It is a specific structural component of biological membranes which interact with particular solutes or classes of solutes. |
Energy requirement | It is a passive transport and doesn’t require any energy. | It is also a passive transport mechanism that doesn’t require any energy, but some facilitated diffusion processes can be active. |
Speed | The speed of simple diffusion is low. | The speed of facilitated diffusion is high. |
Inhibition | This is not inhibited by an inhibitor molecule. | This can be inhibited by specific inhibitor molecules. |
Direction of movement | In simple diffusion, the movement of particles takes place with the direction of the concentration gradient. | In facilitated diffusion, the movement of molecules can take place in both ways – along the direction and opposite of the concentration gradient. |
Size of molecules | Simple diffusion is involved in the passage of small molecules along with non-polar molecules. | Facilitated diffusion is commonly involved in the movement of large as well as polar molecules across a biological membrane. |
Note: Movement of metabolites across the membrane along the concentration gradient as well as without the use of a carrier molecule is called simple diffusion. Simple diffusion is relatively a slow process. On the contrary side, facilitated diffusion is a more rapid form, in this process molecules move through channels in the membrane.
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