Facilitated Diffusion

• The movement of hydrophilic molecules or

ions across the plasma membrane with
the help of transport proteins.
• Substances that are not soluble in lipids
do not pass readily through the
phospholipid bilayer.

• Substances such as glucose, amino

acids, proteins and nucleic acids pass
through the membrane by facilitated
diffusion.
 Facilitated Diffusion
Involves 2 types of protein

Channel proteins Carrier proteins

Provide functional pore in the Pick up the diffusion molecules on
membrane for the diffusion of ions. one side of the membrane and
The pore are selective about which release them on the other side
ions can pass through
 glucose

Ammino
acids

Absorption of certain nutrients through the villi of the small

intestine.
Carrier proteins found on the membrane of cells that line
the intestinal wall transport small molecules such as amino
acids and glucose into the blood capillaries of the villi