Facilitated diffusion differs from simple diffusion in that it

  • A. requires energy from ATP
  • B. uses specific carrier or channel proteins in the membrane
  • C. moves substances against their concentration gradient
  • D. occurs only through the lipid portion of the membrane

Explanation

Facilitated diffusion still follows the concentration gradient and costs no energy, but polar molecules and ions pass through specific protein channels or carriers. Needing ATP or moving against the gradient would make it active transport, a common trap in the comparison.

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