A researcher is studying facilitated diffusion of a novel solute 'X' across a cell membrane using an artificial lipid bilayer system. They observe that increasing the concentration of X on one side of the membrane increases the rate of transport, but only up to a certain point. Beyond this point, further increases in X concentration do not affect the transport rate. Which of the following BEST explains this observation?
The membrane has reached its maximum permeability for X.
The solute X is being actively transported at higher concentrations.
Saturation of the carrier proteins
The solute X is inhibiting its own transport through feedback regulation.
Related Questions
Which of the following pair is selective and specific mode of transport?
Passive transport and active transport
Passive transport and facilitated diffusion
Facilitated diffusion and active transport
Simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion
Consider the following statements and choose the correct answer
I. Carrier proteins are needed by both facilitated diffusion and active transport and are sensitive to inhibitors that react with protein side chain
II. Different types of proteins present in the membrane plays a major role in both active as well as passive transport
III. The carrier proteins needed by facilitated and active transport are specific
IV. There is no need of energy to pump molecule against a concentration in active transport
V. Transport rate reaches to saturation point, when all the active proteins are used
I, II, II, IV and V
I, II and III
V, IV and I
I, II, III and V
Which characteristic distinguishes facilitated diffusion from simple diffusion across a biological membrane?
Movement down a concentration gradient
Specificity for the transported molecule
Passive transport requiring no energy input
Dependence on membrane fluidity
