The Question is from neet-botany plant-physiology diffusion, and it was created by the author NISHANTH

Question

Facilitated diffusion differs from simple diffusion in that:

NISHANTH · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: A
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**: Membrane Transport
	**Related Topics**: Diffusion, Facilitated Diffusion, Active Transport, Membrane Proteins, Concentration Gradient
	**Prerequisites**: Understanding of cell membrane structure and function, and the concept of concentration gradients.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
	The question asks for the key difference between facilitated diffusion and simple diffusion.
**Method & Steps**:
	1. **Analyze the nature of simple diffusion:** Simple diffusion involves the movement of molecules directly across the phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.  It doesn't require any assistance from membrane proteins.
		Reasoning: The cell membrane is selectively permeable, allowing small, nonpolar molecules to pass through easily.
	2. **Analyze the nature of facilitated diffusion:** Facilitated diffusion also moves molecules down their concentration gradient (from high to low concentration), but it requires the assistance of specific membrane proteins, either channel proteins or carrier proteins.
		Working: These proteins facilitate the movement of larger or polar molecules that cannot easily cross the phospholipid bilayer.
		Key Point: While both processes move substances down their concentration gradient, the involvement of membrane proteins is the key differentiating factor.
	3. **Compare and contrast:** The primary difference lies in the requirement for membrane proteins.
		Result: Facilitated diffusion requires membrane proteins, while simple diffusion does not.
		Verification: This aligns with the definition of both processes.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] ✓: Facilitated diffusion utilizes membrane proteins (carrier proteins and channel proteins) to help molecules cross the membrane. Simple diffusion involves molecules directly crossing the phospholipid bilayer without the assistance of proteins. This is the correct distinction.
[B] :x: Both simple and facilitated diffusion move substances down their concentration gradient (from high concentration to low concentration).  Active transport moves substances against their concentration gradient.
[C] :x: Neither simple diffusion nor facilitated diffusion requires energy expenditure. They are both passive processes driven by the concentration gradient. Active transport requires energy (usually ATP).
[D] :x: Simple diffusion occurs in all cells, and facilitated diffusion also occurs in all cells where specific transport proteins are present.  Restricting facilitated diffusion to plant cells is incorrect. 
## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1. Confusing facilitated diffusion with active transport: Remember that facilitated diffusion does *not* require energy, while active transport does.
		2. Thinking facilitated diffusion occurs only in certain types of cells:  All cells can utilize facilitated diffusion if the necessary transport proteins are present.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1.  'Facilitated' means 'helped' - remember that facilitated diffusion is 'helped' by membrane proteins.
		2.  Both simple and facilitated diffusion go 'downhill' (with the concentration gradient), while active transport goes 'uphill' (against the concentration gradient).

NISHANTH · Answer

The correct Option is "Facilitated diffusion requires membrane proteins, while simple diffusion does not."

NISHANTH · Answer

Facilitated diffusion moves substances against their concentration gradient, while simple diffusion moves them down their concentration gradient.

NISHANTH · Answer

Facilitated diffusion requires energy expenditure, while simple diffusion does not.

NISHANTH · Answer

Facilitated diffusion occurs only in plant cells, while simple diffusion occurs in all cells.

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