Active Transport? Get Answers Now!

  • Thread starter Eric McClean
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In summary, active transport is the process of moving particles against their concentration gradient or into a cell where they are normally impermeable. This requires energy and is facilitated by specialized membrane proteins. Examples of active transport include driving a car up a hill or sailing against the wind. In contrast, passive transport does not require energy and includes processes like rolling a ball down a hill or sailing with the wind.
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Eric McClean
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Hi
Can anyone throw some light on active transport? need urgent help.
Thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
Eric McClean said:
Hi
Can anyone throw some light on active transport? need urgent help.
Thanks in advance

Well I'll start off by just saying active transport is the transportation of particles requiring energy. This energy can come from chemical sources or electrochemical sources. Situations that would require active transport include: moving particles against the concentration gradient, or moving particles into a cell where the cell membrane is normally impermeable to the particle. Both of these are examples of active transport and are mediated by specialized membrane proteins called: transport proteins.

The concentration gradient is created by the uneven concentrations from within the cell to outside the cell.

If you need to know anything else more specific just let me know.
 
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  • #3
Example of an active transport (in the physical realm)

*Driving a car up a hill
*Rolling a ball up a hill
*Riding a bike up a hill
*Sailing against the wind

Examples of passive transport

*Rolling a car down a hill
*Rolling a ball down a hill
*Riding a bike down a hill
*Sailing with the wind and only letting the wind take you.

See the differences? Active transport is the movement of molecules that requires energy. Passive is the movement where energy is not required. Often times chemicals and hormones are pumped by "gateways" through cells. This is active transport.
 

What is active transport?

Active transport is a biological process in which cells use energy to transport molecules against their concentration gradient, from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration.

What is the difference between active transport and passive transport?

The main difference between active transport and passive transport is that active transport requires energy in the form of ATP, while passive transport does not. Passive transport allows molecules to move with their concentration gradient, while active transport moves them against their concentration gradient.

What are the types of active transport?

The two main types of active transport are primary active transport and secondary active transport. Primary active transport uses ATP directly to move molecules, while secondary active transport uses the energy stored in concentration gradients of other molecules to move molecules against their gradient.

What are some examples of active transport?

Some examples of active transport include the sodium-potassium pump, which is used to maintain the balance of ions in nerve cells, and the proton pump, which is used in the digestive system to transport hydrogen ions into the stomach. Other examples include endocytosis and exocytosis, which are used to transport large molecules and particles into and out of cells.

Why is active transport important for cells?

Active transport is important for cells because it allows them to maintain concentration gradients and control what substances enter and leave the cell. This is crucial for many cellular processes, such as nutrient uptake, waste removal, and cell signaling. Without active transport, cells would not be able to function properly and maintain homeostasis.

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