In: Biology
Can facilitated diffusion sometimes move against their concentration gradients?
Facilitated diffusion is similar to passive diffusion in that solutes move along the concentration gradient.But it differs from passive diffusion in that it requires a carrier or transport protein. Hence the rate of diffusion is faster than simple diffusion.The process does not require any energy and can operate bidirectionally.
Incase of glucose, hence it diffuses across membranes through facilitated diffusion, down the concentration gradient.It transported against the concetration gradient by a dependent glucose symporter which provides a driving force to other glucose molecules in the cells. Since glucose is a large molecule, it is difficult to be transported across the membrane through simple diffusion.
(In case of intestinal absorption of glucose a membrane bound carrier protein is involved, which carries glucose, along with sodium.This sodium is later expelled by the sodium pump with utilization of energy. So energy is needed indirectly)