[Campbell Biology P.185] Which of the following statements accurately describes the differen... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes the difference between facilitated diffusion and active transport, as discussed in the text?

  • A: Facilitated diffusion requires energy input from the cell, whereas active transport does not.
  • B: Active transport moves solutes against their concentration gradient, while facilitated diffusion moves solutes down their concentration gradient.
  • C: Both facilitated diffusion and active transport primarily use channel proteins to move solutes.
  • D: Facilitated diffusion is involved in maintaining internal solute concentrations that differ from the environment, unlike active transport.

Explanation

The text clearly distinguishes between passive transport like facilitated diffusion that moves solutes down their concentration gradient without energy, and active transport that uses energy to move solutes against their concentration gradient, enabling the cell to maintain different internal concentrations.