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This is probs a pretty basic question, but I haven't taken biochem yet so I'm a bit confused with facilitated diffusion involving a carrier protein. So the way I understand it, the solute binds to the carrier and induces a conformational change in the carrier. The chances of the solute binding is determined by the concentration of the solute, which is why the substance flows down a concentration gradient (more likely to bind on one side if there is more solute on that side). What I am confused about is where the energy for the conformational change is coming from. Doesn't the conformational change at least require heat energy? Because it is a form of passive transport, no energy expenditure is needed...but without energy how does the carrier protein go about changing shape?
Thanks!
Thanks!