Active tansport

Active transport is a process that moves substances from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration, working against the concentration gradient. 

Unlike diffusion and osmosis, active transport requires energy, which is provided by respiration. 

Special proteins in the cell membrane act as "pumps" to move substances across, using energy to push them from a dilute solution into a more concentrated one.

Active transport

The importance of active transport

In Plants:

• Active transport is essential for absorbing mineral ions like nitrates and potassium from the soil, which are usually in very low concentrations.

• These minerals are absorbed by the root hair cells and are vital for healthy plant growth and various cellular functions.

In Animals:

• In the human digestive system, active transport allows glucose and other sugar molecules to be absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream.

• This is particularly important when glucose concentrations in the intestine are lower than in the blood. By using active transport, cells ensure that glucose can still be absorbed to meet the body’s energy needs through respiration.

Comparing diffusion, osmosis and active transport