How does a transport protein assist in facilitated diffusion?
A transport protein is a transmembrane protein that helps move ions and other small molecules from one side of the plasma membrane to the other. Because there is no energy used in facilitated diffusion, molecules are moved down their concentration gradients (from high to low). Once the molecule to be transported binds, the protein undergoes a conformational change that allows the molecule to exit on the other side of the membrane.
