biolgist concludes that a molecule moves across cell membrane by facilitated diffusion because the molecule is small, polar and can accumulate inside cells even when its concentration inside the cell initially is higher that it is outside the cell and they use up more energy when the molecule is present in the environment around the cells than when it is not present. Agree or disagree? why or why not? confused....thanks for your help
Based on the information provided, I agree with the biologist's conclusion that the molecule moves across the cell membrane by facilitated diffusion. Here's why:
1. Size: The biologist mentioned that the molecule is small. In facilitated diffusion, small molecules can pass through specialized transport proteins embedded in the cell membrane.
2. Polarity: The biologist mentioned that the molecule is polar. Facilitated diffusion is often employed for the transport of polar molecules, as these molecules cannot easily pass through the nonpolar lipid bilayer of the cell membrane.
3. Accumulation: The biologist stated that the molecule can accumulate inside cells, even when its concentration inside the cell is initially higher than outside. Facilitated diffusion allows molecules to move down their concentration gradient, meaning they can still enter the cell even when the concentration is higher inside.
4. Energy: The biologist noted that more energy is used by the cells when the molecule is present in the environment around them compared to when it is not present. This suggests that the movement of the molecule across the cell membrane requires an energy-dependent facilitated diffusion process.
Overall, based on these observations, it seems reasonable to conclude that the molecule moves across the cell membrane by facilitated diffusion.