All channels and some transporters allow solutes to cross themembrane only passively (“downhill”), a process called passivetransport

All channels and some transporters allow solutes to cross the membrane only passively, a process called passive transport. This means that these substances move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, following their concentration gradient. This process does not require energy.

Here are the steps of passive transport:

1. The solute particles are in an area of high concentration on one side of the cell membrane.

2. The cell membrane has channels and transporters that are open to these solute particles.

3. The solute particles move into these channels and transporters.

4. Due to the concentration gradient, the solute particles move from the area of high concentration to the area of low concentration.

5. The solute particles continue to move until there is an equal concentration of particles on both sides of the membrane.

6. This process continues until the concentration of the solute is equal on both sides of the membrane, achieving what is known as equilibrium.

Remember, this process is passive, meaning it does not require any energy from the cell.