GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY - T.P. Pyrogh - 2004

11. FUNDAMENTAL MECHANISMS OF METABOLISM AND ENERGY CONVERSION IN MICROORGANISMS

11.7. SUBSTRATE UPTAKE MECHANISMS

11.7.2. Facilitated diffusion

Facilitated Diffusion is similar to passive diffusion in that neither process requires metabolic energy, and both are readily reversible, resulting in equal concentrations of the substance inside The Cell and in the environment.

Unlike passive diffusion, facilitated diffusion involves The transport of a specific substance mediated by a membrane carrier. The transported substance binds to the carrier on the outer surface of the membrane and is released inside the cell. Consequently, this transport mechanism exhibits substrate Specificity.

Erythrocytes and Yeast Cells take up sugars via facilitated diffusion. This transport mechanism is not significant in aerobic Bacteria, but in anaerobes it apparently participates in the uptake of certain substances and The excretion of Fermentation products.



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