How are different substances transported across the cell membrane?

There are several different ways substances can be transported:

1) simple diffusion, i.e. substances that tend to be lipid soluble/ non-polar and can pass easily across the phospholipid bilyar of cells.                                                                                                                                                                   2) facilitated diffusion, which involves ihe roles of carrier proteins and channel proteins. E.g. oxygen and glucose       3) osmosis ( water is transported from an area of higher water potential to a lower water potential across a membrane.                                                                                                                                                                       4) active transport- involves the transport of substances against a concentration gradient and uses carrier proteins and ATP hydrolysis is required. An example of this is a sodium-potassium pump after an action potential.                     5) co-transport- this is when substances are simultaneously transported across a membrane by one protein e.g. the absorption of sodium ions and glucose by cells lining the mammalian ileum. 

VS
Answered by Vinay S. Biology tutor

9139 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how a mutation in DNA could cause a non functioning enzyme to be formed


How are specialised cells different to normal body cells?


Describe the main features of a eukaryotic cell, including their functions


Describe how smoking damages the lungs


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences