When solute molecules pass through the membrane passively using a carrier protein, it is referred to as:
a. Active transport
b. Simple diffusion
c. Osmosis
d. Facilitated diffusion
e. Solute diffusion

This process is known as facilitated diffusion. In this mechanism, solute molecules employ specific carrier proteins embedded in the membrane to traverse the lipid bilayer without the need for energy. This is particularly important for larger or polar molecules that cannot easily cross the hydrophobic membrane.

In practical applications, facilitated diffusion plays a crucial role in biological systems—for instance, glucose transport into cells. Cells utilize specific transporter proteins to shuttle glucose across their membranes, ensuring they have enough energy to thrive. This allows for the efficient uptake of vital nutrients while maintaining cellular homeostasis, making it essential for life!