Question

When glucose moves across a phospholipid bilayer by passive transport, which factor determines the direction of its transport? Choose one:

A. the amount of energy available to fuel the transport process
B. the charge difference across the membrane
C. whether the cell is metabolically active or not
D. the concentrations of glucose on either side of the membrane

Answer 1

The direction of glucose transport across a phospholipid bilayer is determined by the concentrations of glucose on either side of the membrane.

Step-by-step explanation:

Passive transport of molecules or ions depends on their ability to pass through the membrane and the existence of a concentration gradient. For polar molecules like glucose, facilitated transport is used, where molecules move down the concentration gradient through specific protein channels in the membrane without requiring energy. The direction of glucose transport across a phospholipid bilayer is determined by the concentrations of glucose on either side of the membrane, as it will move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.