What is the Difference Between Active Transport and Facilitated Diffusion?

The main differences between active transport and facilitated diffusion are the direction of transport, the concentration gradient, and the requirement of energy. Here is a comparison of the two processes:

Active Transport:

1. Active transport requires energy, usually in the form of ATP.
2. It moves substances against the concentration gradient, from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration.
3. Active transport involves primary active transport, which is directly coupled with a thermodynamically favored process (like ATP), and secondary active transport, which indirectly uses ATP.

Facilitated Diffusion:

1. Facilitated diffusion is a passive process and does not require energy.
2. It occurs along the concentration gradient, moving substances from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.
3. Facilitated diffusion involves carrier proteins or channel proteins that facilitate the movement of molecules across the membrane.

In summary, active transport requires energy and moves substances against the concentration gradient, while facilitated diffusion is a passive process that moves substances along the concentration gradient. Both processes involve proteins to assist in the transport of molecules across the membrane.

Comparative Table: Active Transport vs Facilitated Diffusion

Here is a table comparing active transport and facilitated diffusion:

Active transport requires energy in the form of ATP to move molecules against their concentration gradient, using carrier proteins. On the other hand, facilitated diffusion is a passive process that does not require energy, and it moves molecules down their concentration gradient, using both gated channel proteins and carrier proteins.