Difference Between Facilitated Diffusion And Active Transport

The main difference between facilitated diffusion and active transport is the difference in their energy requirements and the direction of movement across the membrane. Facilitated diffusion is a passive process that requires no energy input, while Active transport requires energy, typically in form of ATP.

Facilitated diffsuion allows movement of molecules from high concentration to low concentration, while Active transport moves molecules from low concentration to high concentrration.

Facilitated Diffusion vz Active Transport

Here’s a comparison table between facilitated diffusion and active transport:

Feature	Facilitated Diffusion	Active Transport
Definition	Passive movement of molecules across a membrane	Active movement of molecules against a concentration gradient
Energy Requirement	No energy input required	Energy (ATP) is required
Transport Proteins	Utilizes specific transport proteins	Utilizes specific transport proteins
Movement Direction	Moves molecules along the concentration gradient	Moves molecules against the concentration gradient
Specificity	Specific transport proteins are required for each molecule	Specific transport proteins are required for each molecule
Saturation Effect	Exhibits saturation effect where transport rate plateaus	Can continue against concentration gradient, no saturation
Rate of Transport	Limited by the number of available transport proteins	Can transport molecules at a faster rate
Examples	Glucose transport through GLUT proteins	Sodium-potassium pump

Also Read:

Difference Between Facilitated Diffusion and Simple Diffusion