In cells, some molecules can move down their concentration gradients by crossing the lipid portion of the membrane directly, while others must pass through membrane proteins in a process called facilitated diffusion.

Facilitated diffusion therefore allows polar and charged molecules, such as carbohydrates, amino acids, nucleosides, and ions, to cross the plasma membrane. Two classes of proteins that mediate facilitated diffusion are generally distinguished: carrier proteins and channel proteins.

Figure 4. Simple Diffusion across the Cell (Plasma) Membrane. The structure of the lipid bilayer allows small, uncharged substances such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, and hydrophobic molecules such as lipids, to pass through the cell membrane, down their concentration gradient, by simple diffusion. In contrast to facilitated diffusion, which does not require energy and carries molecules or ions down a concentration gradient, active transport pumps molecules and ions against a concentration gradient.

Explanation: