Facilitated Diffusion

Definition

Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport that allows substances to cross cell membranes with the help of special transport proteins.

Related terms

Active Transport:

The movement of ions or molecules across a cell membrane into a region of higher concentration, assisted by enzymes and requiring energy.

Passive Transport:

The movement of biochemicals and other atomic or molecular substances across cell membranes without need of energy input.

Transport Proteins:

Proteins that serve in biological transport. They are vital for all organisms as they allow many essential solutes to move in and out cells.