Transcript A Carrier Protein Facilitates Diffusion

Figure 5.11 A Carrier Protein Facilitates Diffusion
Carrier proteins allow glucose to enter a cell at a faster rate than would be possible
by simple diffusion across the membrane barrier.
Glucose
Outside of cell
Glucose carrier protein
Inside of cell
Figure 5.11 A Carrier Protein Facilitates Diffusion
The carrier protein has a glucose binding site.
Glucose
Outside of cell
Inside of cell
Figure 5.11 A Carrier Protein Facilitates Diffusion
Glucose binds to the protein...
Glucose
Outside of cell
Inside of cell
Figure 5.11 A Carrier Protein Facilitates Diffusion
Outside of cell
Inside of cell
Figure 5.11 A Carrier Protein Facilitates Diffusion
...which then changes its shape...
Outside of cell
Inside of cell
Figure 5.11 A Carrier Protein Facilitates Diffusion
Outside of cell
Inside of cell
...releasing the glucose.
Figure 5.11 A Carrier Protein Facilitates Diffusion
The carrier protein then goes back to its original shape, ready for another glucose.
Outside of cell
Inside of cell