FACILITATED DIFFUSION Meaning and
Definition
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Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport process in which molecules move across a cell membrane from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration with the help of specific carrier proteins. This process allows the transportation of certain substances that are not able to cross the membrane on their own due to their size, charge, or hydrophobic nature.
In facilitated diffusion, the carrier proteins embedded in the cell membrane act as facilitators or gatekeepers, creating channels or pores through which the molecules can pass. These carrier proteins are specific to the type of molecule they transport, ensuring that only certain substances can enter or exit the cell.
Unlike active transport, facilitated diffusion does not require energy expenditure from the cell and is driven by the concentration gradient of the molecules being transported. This means that it occurs spontaneously as long as there is a concentration difference across the cell membrane.
Examples of molecules that may undergo facilitated diffusion include glucose, amino acids, and certain ions such as sodium and potassium. By employing carrier proteins, facilitated diffusion allows cells to regulate the movement of essential substances and maintain internal homeostasis.
Common Misspellings for FACILITATED DIFFUSION
- dacilitated diffusion
- cacilitated diffusion
- vacilitated diffusion
- gacilitated diffusion
- tacilitated diffusion
- racilitated diffusion
- fzcilitated diffusion
- fscilitated diffusion
- fwcilitated diffusion
- fqcilitated diffusion
- faxilitated diffusion
- favilitated diffusion
- fafilitated diffusion
- fadilitated diffusion
- faculitated diffusion
- facjlitated diffusion
- facklitated diffusion
- facolitated diffusion
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- fac8litated diffusion
Etymology of FACILITATED DIFFUSION
The term "facilitated diffusion" comes from the fusion of two words: "facilitated" and "diffusion".
1. Facilitated: The word "facilitated" is the past participle form of the verb "facilitate", which is derived from the Latin word "facilitas", meaning "easiness" or "willingness". In English, "facilitate" means to make an action or process easier or smoother.
2. Diffusion: The word "diffusion" comes from the Latin word "diffusio", meaning "a pouring forth" or "spread". In general, diffusion refers to the process of particles or molecules moving from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Therefore, "facilitated diffusion" refers to a type of passive transport in cells where molecules can move across the cell membrane with the assistance of specific transport proteins.
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