How does the intensity of facilitated diffusion vary in relation to the concentration of the moved substance? What is the limiting factor?

Biology 2e
2nd Edition
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Chapter5: Structure And Function Of Plasma Membranes
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 24CTQ: Discuss why the following affect the rate of diffusion: molecular size, temperature, solution...
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How does the intensity of facilitated diffusion vary in relation to the concentration of the moved substance? What is the limiting factor?

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Step 1

Facilitated diffusion is a passive movement of substances through membrane proteins. The process is passive as it does not require an input of energy for transport of substances. 

 

 

Step 2

facilitated diffusion of substances occurs from the region of their higher concentration to that of the lower concentration. Therefore, the concentration gradient of the substances regulates the rate of facilitated diffusion. The steep the concentration gradient of a substance across the membrane, the higher will be the rate of its facilitated diffusion. This is because the driving force for diffusion of substances is different in their concentration on either side of the membrane. 

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