Facilitated Diffusion

AP Biology· difficulty 4/5

Kidney collecting duct cells have aquaporin channels in their membranes. When the hormone vasopressin signals dehydration, more aquaporins are inserted, and water reabsorption rises sharply. Sodium/potassium permeability is unchanged.

aquaporin Outside Inside Specifically permits H2O - excludes ions

Aquaporins are an example of which transport process?

  • A

    Facilitated diffusion of water through a selective channel (no ATP)

    check_circle
  • B

    Active transport of water that requires ATP

  • C

    Endocytosis of water droplets

  • D

    Ion pumping that secondarily moves water

Explanation

Aquaporins are channel proteins that allow water to follow its osmotic gradient passively, no ATP required - the hallmark of facilitated diffusion.

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