• Explain how charge, size, and solubility affect solute movement across cell membranes. • Contrast how transporters, pumps & channels work • Describe how ion channels are gated. GENERAL CONCEPTS 1. Movement of a solute across the lipid bilayer (cell membrane) is dependent on its size, charge, and solubility. 2. Net flux (movement) of a solute is determined by gradients. 3. A permeable solute crosses the membrane by simple diffusion (slow), moving down its concentration gradient. 4. A non-permeable solute crosses the membrane by facilitated diffusion (fast) using transporters. This process requires a gradient, is saturable, and is specific. 5. Primary active transport moves a solute against its concentration gradient. This mechanism requires energy (ATP), exhibits specificity, and is saturable. 6. Secondary active transport couples the activity of a co-transporter with a pump. This is used for transcellular transport of a solute.