Which of the following statements best explains why facilitated diffusion exhibits a maximum transport rate (Vmax) whereas simple diffusion does not?
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Correct answer: Facilitated diffusion uses a finite number of carriers that saturate when fully occupied
Facilitated diffusion depends on carrier proteins; because there are a limited number of such transporters, once they are all occupied the transport rate cannot increase further, resulting in saturation (Vmax). Simple diffusion through the lipid bilayer does not have this limitation.
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