diffusion glucose

Question

Does the addition of NaCl affect glucose diffusion? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Glucose crosses a cell membrane by facilitated diffusion, requiring a carrier protein that is specific for glucose as a substrate. The protein does not require salt, nor is salt a known inhibitor of the carrier protein. Changing the concentration of NaCl should have no effect on glucose diffusion.

Of course, if you increase the concentration too significantly, you will create an osmotic movement of water out of the cell, potentially killing the cell or affecting all cellular processes.