A solute passively diffuses through a transport protein out of the cell, therefore, ____.
A) the concentration of the solute is higher inside the cell than outside
B) the concentration of the solute is lower inside the cell than outside
C) the concentration of the solute is the same inside and outside the cell
D) the concentration of water is higher inside the cell than outside
E) the concentration of water is lower inside the cell than outside

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Passive diffusion through a transport protein (facilitated diffusion) occurs down the concentration gradient, meaning the solute moves from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Therefore, if the solute is diffusing out of the cell, its concentration must be higher inside the cell than outside.

A Solute Passively Diffuses Through a Transport Protein Out of the Cell