Phenomena and Processes

Facilitated Diffusion

The passive movement of molecules exceeding the rate expected by simple diffusion. No energy is expended in the process. It is achieved by the introduction of passively diffusing molecules to an enviroment or path that is more favorable to the movement of those molecules. Examples of facilitated diffusion are passive transport of hydrophilic substances across a lipid membrane through hydrophilic pores that traverse the membrane, and the sliding of a DNA BINDING PROTEIN along a strand of DNA.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

The passive movement of molecules exceeding the rate expected by simple diffusion. No energy is expended in the process. It is achieved by the introduction of passively diffusing molecules to an enviroment or path that is more favorable to the movement of those molecules. Examples of facilitated diffusion are passive transport of hydrophilic substances across a lipid membrane through hydrophilic pores that traverse the membrane, and the sliding of a DNA BINDING PROTEIN along a strand of DNA.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

1 entry terms
  • Diffusion, Facilitated

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

5 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings drug effects, genetics, immunology, physiology, radiation effects.

MeSH Record

History Note

2009

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Diffusion (1969-2008)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. G01w.154.280w
  2. G01w.202w.374w
  3. G02.196w.500w
  4. G03w.143.427w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Facilitated Diffusion. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D055459. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D055459
  2. Facilitated Diffusion. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facilitated_diffusion
  3. Facilitated Diffusion. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2155231