Question

Which one of the following molecules would be most likely to travel by facilitated diffusion? A. sodium ions B. glucose C. oxygen atoms

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is : the sodium ion and glucose both shows the facilitated diffusion.

Explanation:

Facilitated diffusion is form of diffusion of molecules of solutes with the help of transport proteins along their concentration gradient on the plasma membrane, however it is a passive transport as its does not require energy to move in or out of cell.

Oxygen can move through the membrane directly by simple mean of diffusion. however, Other molecules like amino acids, ions, glucose and many more need a integral pore, channel or transport molecule to pass through the membrane or with facilitated diffusion.

Glucose transporters involves to help in movement of glucose through the membrane along the concentration gradient it shows facilitated diffusion. Sodium ions also move through along concentration gradient by protein channels formed by transport proteins through hydrophobic membrane.

Thus, the sodium ion and glucose both shows the facilitated diffusion.

Answer 2

Answer:

B. Glucose

Explanation:

Facilitated diffusion is important for the living organisms as there are lipid insoluble, polar and large molecules that needs assistance to diffuse across plasma membrane.   These molecules are large and polar in nature so they need assistance. The ion channels or carrier proteins allow such molecules ( glucose) to cross the membrane. The two classes of protein that facilitates the diffusion are channel protein and carrier protein.