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Transport in Cells

Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 1.3.11

Transport in Cells

The three main forms of transport in cells are:

Diffusion

Diffusion

  • Diffusion describes when there is a net movement of particles from an area where their concentration is higher to an area where their concentration is lower.
Osmosis

Osmosis

  • Osmosis is a specific type of diffusion in which only water molecules move.
  • Osmosis requires a partially permeable membrane.
Active transport

Active transport

  • Active transport is the net movement of particles against a concentration gradient.
  • This means that energy is needed for active transport to happen.

Test yourself on Transport in Cells

  • Why do diffusion and osmosis happen without any energy being supplied by the cell?

  • Why does a glass of water taste the same throughout after blackcurrant squash is added?

  • Name the three main forms of transport in cells

  • Why is osmosis classed as a specific type of diffusion, rather than a completely different process?

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