Vocabulary: Transport proteins are specialized proteins embedded in the cell membrane that facilitate the movement of specific molecules.

Example: Channel proteins create pathways through which molecules can pass, while carrier proteins undergo shape changes to transport molecules across the membrane.

Definition: Conformational change refers to the physical alteration in protein shape that enables molecule transport across the membrane.

Highlight: The selectivity of transport proteins depends on three key factors: molecular shape and size, charge, and binding site specificity.

Example: Glucose and amino acid uptake demonstrate how facilitated diffusion supports essential cellular nutrition.

Quote: "Transport proteins have a limited capacity and can become saturated when all binding sites are occupied."

Highlight: Facilitated diffusion is particularly important for moving large, polar, or charged molecules that cannot cross the membrane through simple diffusion.

Definition: Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of stable internal conditions within cells, which facilitated diffusion helps regulate through controlled molecular transport.

Definition: Facilitated diffusion is a form of passive transport that requires transport proteins to move specific molecules across cell membranes.

Highlight: The page emphasizes two main types of transport proteins: channel proteins and carrier proteins, each serving distinct roles in molecular transport.