which of the following statements accurately describes the facilitated diffusion of materials across a cell membrane?

Facilitated diffusion is a passive transport process in which specific membrane proteins help certain molecules move across the cell membrane from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration, without using cellular energy (ATP).

Key idea in one sentence

In exam-style wording, an accurate statement is:

“Facilitated diffusion is the passive movement of specific molecules or ions across the cell membrane down their concentration gradient with the help of carrier or channel proteins, without the expenditure of ATP.”

Core features to look for in the options

When you see multiple-choice statements like “which of the following statements accurately describes the facilitated diffusion of materials across a cell membrane?”, the correct option will usually include most or all of these points:

• It moves substances down their concentration gradient (from higher to lower concentration).
• It requires specific transport proteins (channel proteins or carrier proteins) embedded in the membrane.
• It does not require ATP or metabolic energy (it is a passive process).
• It is often selective for particular ions or molecules (for example, glucose or certain ions).

Any option that says it:

• goes against the concentration gradient, or
• requires ATP/energy , or
• does not involve membrane proteins

would be incorrect for facilitated diffusion and is instead describing active transport or simple diffusion, not facilitated diffusion.

Quick mental check for your exam

When you read the answer choices, choose the one that most closely matches something like:

• “Passive transport using carrier/channel proteins, moving substances from high to low concentration, without energy use.”

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