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

Question

Which characteristic distinguishes facilitated diffusion from simple diffusion across a biological membrane?

D VINOD · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Membrane transport mechanisms
 **Related Topics**: Passive transport, active transport, concentration gradient, membrane proteins
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of cell membranes, diffusion, and protein function.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks for the characteristic that differentiates facilitated diffusion from simple diffusion.
  Options describe various aspects of membrane transport.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the characteristics of simple diffusion.
  Reasoning: Simple diffusion is the passive movement of molecules down a concentration gradient, directly across the lipid bilayer.
  Formula/Rule: None explicitly required, but understanding of concentration gradients is key.
 2. Analyze the characteristics of facilitated diffusion.
  Working: Facilitated diffusion also involves passive movement down a concentration gradient, but it uses membrane proteins (channels or carriers) to facilitate the transport of specific molecules.
  Key Point: The involvement of membrane proteins is the key difference.
 3. Compare the characteristics and identify the distinguishing feature.
  Result: The specificity for the transported molecule is the key difference. Simple diffusion is non-specific, while facilitated diffusion is highly specific due to the involvement of specific membrane proteins that only bind to and transport certain molecules.
  Verification: Review the definitions of simple and facilitated diffusion to confirm the result.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Movement down a concentration gradient occurs in both simple and facilitated diffusion.
B ✓: Specificity for the transported molecule is unique to facilitated diffusion because it involves carrier proteins with binding sites for specific molecules.
C :x: Both simple and facilitated diffusion are passive transport mechanisms, requiring no energy input.
D :x: Both simple and facilitated diffusion depend on membrane fluidity to some extent, but this is not the distinguishing characteristic.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing facilitated diffusion with active transport:  Remember that facilitated diffusion is still passive; it doesn't require energy input.
  2.Overlooking the role of membrane proteins: The presence of specific membrane proteins is crucial to facilitated diffusion.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Think of facilitated diffusion as needing a “helper” protein to cross the membrane.
  2.Remember that “facilitated” implies a specific mechanism involving proteins.

D VINOD · Answer

Movement down a concentration gradient

D VINOD · Answer

The correct Option is "Specificity for the transported molecule"

D VINOD · Answer

Passive transport requiring no energy input

D VINOD · Answer

Dependence on membrane fluidity

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