Graphs A and B despite two ways of determining how molecules (in this case, molecules (X, Y, Z) can gain entry into a cell: Increase the extracellular concentration (Co) of the molecule and measure flux and keep Co constant and measure the intracellular concentration (Ci) of the molecule over time until equilibrium is reached. Which of the molecules enters by facilitated diffusion? explain? Which molecule enters by active transport? explain? Solution Answer (A) In graph A, transport of molecule Z does not show saturation, which is consistent with diffusion. Answer (B) In graph A, the rate of transport (flux) of molecules X and Y saturate, which is consistent with mediated transport (facilitated diffusion). Answer (C) In graph B, molecules X and Z reach equilibrium (Ci>Co) indicating active transport. For further read the theory of simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion. DIFFUSION Diffusion is the movement of molecules from one location to another by random thermal motion. The net flux between two compartments always proceeds from higher to lower concentration of the diffusing substance. Diffusion equilibrium is reached when the concentrations in the two compartments become equal, resulting in zero net flux. The magnitude of the net flux F across a plasma membrane is directly proportional to the concentration difference across the membrane C - C, the surface area of the membrane A, and the membrane permeability constant k. Non-polar molecules diffuse through the lipid portions of membranes much more rapidly than do polar or ionized molecules because nonpolar molecules can dissolve in the non-polar lipids in the membrane. Mineral ions diffuse across membranes by passing through ion channels formed by integral membrane proteins. The net diffusion of ions across a membrane depends on both the concentration gradient and the membrane potential. The flux of ions across a membrane can be altered by opening or closing ion channels. MEDIATED-TRANSPORT SYSTEMS The mediated transport of molecules or ions across a membrane involves binding of the transported solute to a transporter in the membrane. Changes in the conformation of the transporter move the binding site to the opposite side of the membrane, where the solute dissociates from the protein. The binding sites on transporters exhibit chemical specificity, affinity and saturation. The magnitude of the flux through a mediated-transport system depends on the degree of transporter saturation, the number of transporters in the membrane, and the rate at which the conformational change in the transporter occurs. Facilitated diffusion is a mediated-transport process that moves molecules from higher to lower concentration across a membrane by means of a transporter until the two concentrations become equal. Metabolic energy is not required for this process. Active transport is a mediated-transport process that moves molecules against an electro- chemical difference across a membrane by means of a transp.