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Multiple Choice
Which type of membrane transport is occurring when a solute is able to diffuse through a membrane without the use of cellular energy?
A
Active transport
B
Exocytosis
C
Passive transport
D
Endocytosis
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of membrane transport. Membrane transport refers to the movement of substances across the cell membrane, which can occur actively (requiring energy) or passively (not requiring energy).
Step 2: Define passive transport. Passive transport is the movement of solutes across a membrane down their concentration gradient (from high to low concentration) without the use of cellular energy (ATP).
Step 3: Compare passive transport to other types of transport mentioned in the problem. Active transport requires energy to move solutes against their concentration gradient. Exocytosis and endocytosis are forms of bulk transport that involve vesicles and also require energy.
Step 4: Identify the key characteristic of passive transport in the problem: the solute diffuses through the membrane without the use of cellular energy. This matches the definition of passive transport.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct type of membrane transport described in the problem is passive transport, as it does not require cellular energy and involves diffusion of solutes through the membrane.