The bilayer consists of lipids therefore only lipid-soluble molecules can pass through. This is mainly small polar uncharged molecules and small hydrophobic molecules. Facilitated diffusion is a passive process that requires no use of external energy[1]. The molecules move across the membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. If the solute carries a net charge for example, molecules will move down its electrochemical gradient[2]. Sugars and amino acids are examples of molecules that move across the plasma membrane using facilitated diffusion. Also, GLUT transporters are a group of carrier proteins that move glucose sugars and associated hexose sugars across the plasma membrane[1].
Carrier protein showing a conformational changeCarrier proteins
These are proteins that span the plasma membrane. Each protein carrier is specific to bind to a complementary molecule. On one side of the membrane (higher concentration of molecules), the molecules bind to the carrier protein. The carrier then changes conformational shape to release the molecules on the other side of the membrane (where there is a lower concentration of the molecules)[3].
Factors affecting rate of facilitated diffusion
1. Difference in concentration between the two sides of the membrane. 2. The frequency of carrier proteins available on the plasma membrane. 3. The time taken for the molecule to bind with the carrier protein. 4. Type of carrier protein utilized as some carriers are also specific to similar shaped molecules.
