Question

How are things transported through the membrane

Answer 1

Answer:

The mechanisms of transport across the cell membrane are as follow: 1- simple diffusion, 2- facilitated diffusion, 3- primary active transport and 4-secondary active transport

Explanation:

The cell membrane is a selectively permeable structure capable of transporting substances by different mechanisms. Simple diffusion is a type of passive transport (i.e. does not require energy) where non-polar molecules (e.g. O2, CO2) pass across the membrane by a process that does not require energy from the cell. Facilitated diffusion is another type of passive transport where larger polar molecules (e.g., glucose and amino acids) pass across the membrane by using specific transmembrane integral proteins. On the other hand, primary active transport is a type of active transport that uses chemical energy (e.g., ATP) to move substances such as metal ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+) across the cell membrane against their concentration gradient. Finally, secondary active transport is another type of active transport where transporter proteins are used to couple the movement of ions (e.g., H+ protons) down their electrochemical gradient to the transport of another ions/solutes against their concentration/ electrochemical gradient.