Question

Describe facilitated diffusion of glucose through carrier proteins

Answer 1

Answer:

Facilitated diffusion is a kind of passive diffusion* that utilizes a carrier protein/channel proteins in the cell bilayer that lets molecules pass untouched by the hydrophobic bilayer. This is a common form of transport for polar molecules like carbohydrates (glucose for this question), amino acids, ions, etc. Glucose transporters or GLUT bind specific molecules from outside of the cell membrane then transport it inside the cell by undergoing a conformational change in shape.

These process usually happens in red blood cells.

*Passive diffusion is a kind of cell transporting mechanism that doesn't require energy or the use of ATP. It either diffuses freely or with the use of proteins.