In facilitated diffusion, molecules move in which direction?

In facilitated diffusion, molecules move from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration. This process is driven by the concentration gradient, meaning that substances naturally tend to move from where they are more abundant to where they are less abundant without the input of energy. Facilitated diffusion specifically involves the assistance of transport proteins in the cell membrane, which help larger or polar molecules cross the hydrophobic lipid bilayer more easily.

This mechanism allows essential molecules, like glucose or ions, to enter or exit cells efficiently, ensuring that cells maintain their internal environment while also responding to changes in the external environment. The process continues until equilibrium is reached. Understanding this principle is integral in grasping how cells regulate their internal conditions and respond to their surroundings.