Mediated transport of polar molecules and ions across the plasma membrane utilizes a/n _____ carrier that will bind to the substance,effecting a conformational change that allows movement across the membrane.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Polar molecules and ions cannot cross the hydrophobic interior of the plasma membrane without the aid of a protein transporter. These transporters bind to the substance being transported and undergo a conformational change that allows the substance to cross the membrane. This type of transport is called mediated transport, and it is often selective, meaning that only certain substances can be transported by a specific transporter protein. Lipids and porins are not involved in this process and do not have the ability to bind to and transport polar molecules or ions across the plasma membrane. Enzymes are also not involved in this process, as they catalyze chemical reactions rather than transport substances across membranes.

Mediated Transport of Polar Molecules and Ions Across the Plasma