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Multiple Choice
Which process requires the use of membrane proteins?
A
Facilitated diffusion
B
Endocytosis
C
Osmosis
D
Simple diffusion
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of membrane proteins: Membrane proteins assist in the transport of substances across the cell membrane. They can act as channels or carriers to facilitate the movement of molecules that cannot pass through the lipid bilayer directly.
Identify the processes: The processes listed are facilitated diffusion, endocytosis, osmosis, and simple diffusion. Each of these processes involves the movement of substances across the cell membrane, but they differ in their mechanisms and requirements.
Facilitated diffusion: This process requires membrane proteins because it involves the passive transport of molecules across the cell membrane through specific protein channels or carriers. These proteins help substances that are not lipid-soluble or are too large to pass through the membrane on their own.
Endocytosis: This is an active transport process where the cell membrane engulfs external substances, forming a vesicle. While it involves membrane proteins, it is not primarily dependent on them for the transport mechanism itself.
Osmosis and simple diffusion: Osmosis is the passive movement of water across a semipermeable membrane, and simple diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration. Neither process requires membrane proteins, as they rely on the natural permeability of the membrane.