The movement of materials across a membrane without the use of cellular energy is referred to as(1 point)

chemiosmosis
a sodium/ potassium pump
active transport
diffusion

diffusion

The movement of materials across a membrane without the use of cellular energy is referred to as diffusion.

The movement of materials across a membrane without the use of cellular energy is referred to as diffusion.

To understand this concept, let's break it down:

1. Diffusion: Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. It occurs due to the random motion of particles. In other words, molecules naturally tend to spread out in order to achieve a more even distribution.

2. Membrane: In biological systems, membranes act as barriers that separate the inside and outside of cells or organelles. These membranes are composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins that regulate the movement of molecules.

3. Cellular energy: In this case, we are specifically referring to energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Active transport, for example, requires the use of ATP to move molecules against their concentration gradient.

So, when materials move across a membrane without the use of cellular energy, it is called diffusion. In diffusion, molecules move passively from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration until an equilibrium is reached. This process does not require any additional energy input from the cell.