Active transport

To define active transport and explain how it differs from diffusion and osmosis.
To explain why active transport requires energy and identify the source of this energy.
To describe examples of where active transport is important in both plants and animals.

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.

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.

Diffusion: Movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, without needing energy.
Osmosis: A type of diffusion specific to water, moving from a dilute solution to a more concentrated solution across a partially permeable membrane.
Active Transport: Moves substances from a lower concentration to a higher concentration, against the gradient, and requires energy from respiration.

Active transport: The movement of substances from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration, against the concentration gradient.
Concentration gradient: The difference in concentration of a substance between two areas.
Energy: Required for active transport to move substances against the concentration gradient.
Respiration: The process that releases energy, which is used to power active transport.
Cell membrane: The boundary of a cell where active transport occurs via special protein pumps.
Mineral ions: Substances like nitrates and potassium absorbed by plant root hair cells using active transport.
Root hair cells: Specialised plant cells that absorb water and mineral ions from the soil.
Glucose: A sugar molecule absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream using active transport.
Protein pumps: Special proteins in the cell membrane that facilitate active transport by moving substances across.

Analogy Creation: Design an analogy to explain active transport, comparing it to a real-world scenario where energy is needed to move something against a natural flow or direction (e.g., pumping water uphill).
Comparing Transport Methods Table: Create a table comparing diffusion, osmosis, and active transport. Include columns for: direction of movement (down/against gradient), energy requirement, substances transported, and examples in cells.