Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Simple and Facilitated Diffusion

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Simple and Facilitated Diffusion

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1:51 minutes

Problem 7

Textbook Question

In terms of structure, how do channel proteins differ from carrier proteins?

Verified step by step guidance

Channel proteins form pores in the cell membrane, allowing specific molecules or ions to pass through by diffusion, while carrier proteins bind to the molecules they transport and undergo a conformational change to move the molecules across the membrane.

Channel proteins typically allow the passage of ions or water molecules and are often gated, meaning they can open or close in response to certain stimuli, whereas carrier proteins are more selective and transport specific molecules like glucose or amino acids.

Channel proteins facilitate passive transport, meaning substances move along their concentration gradient without the use of cellular energy (ATP), while carrier proteins can facilitate both passive and active transport, the latter requiring energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.

The structure of channel proteins is often a tunnel-like formation that spans the lipid bilayer, whereas carrier proteins have a more complex structure that changes shape to shuttle the bound substrate across the membrane.

Channel proteins are integral membrane proteins that provide a hydrophilic pathway for the passage of ions and small molecules, while carrier proteins are also integral but work by binding to the substrate and undergoing a series of conformational changes to transport the substrate across the membrane.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Channel Proteins

Channel proteins are integral membrane proteins that form pores or channels in the cell membrane, allowing specific ions or molecules to pass through by diffusion. They are typically selective for particular substances and can be gated, meaning they open or close in response to certain stimuli, facilitating rapid transport across the membrane.

Carrier Proteins

Carrier proteins, unlike channel proteins, bind to specific molecules and undergo a conformational change to transport these substances across the membrane. They can facilitate both passive transport, where substances move down their concentration gradient, and active transport, which requires energy to move substances against their gradient.

Transport Mechanisms

Transport mechanisms refer to the various ways substances move across cell membranes, including passive and active transport. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for distinguishing between channel and carrier proteins, as they utilize different processes to facilitate the movement of molecules, impacting cellular function and homeostasis.