Two graphs illustrating the transport rate of solutes across the plasma membrane are shown on the slide below. Which of the following best explains the difference in the shape of the curves?

Question

Two graphs illustrating the transport rate of solutes across the plasma membrane are shown on the slide below.  Which of the following best explains the difference in the shape of the curves?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Carrier-mediated transport includes facilitated diffusion and active transport.  Movement of substrate across the cell membrane by these mechanisms depends on the presence of carrier proteins that can become saturated at high substrate concentrations.

Two Graphs Illustrating the Transport Rate of Solutes Across the Plasma