Active Transport
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 3.3.1
Active Transport in Humans and Plants
Active transport is the movement of particles through a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration (i.e. against a concentration gradient), using energy from respiration.
Sugar absorption in humans
- Active transport allows sugar molecules, which are needed for cell respiration, to be absorbed into the blood from the gut and the kidney, even when the sugar concentration of the blood is higher.
Mineral absorption in plants
- Active transport in the root hairs of plants allows plants to absorb mineral ions, which are necessary for healthy growth, even though the concentration of minerals is usually lower in the soil than in the root hair.
Test yourself on Active Transport
Which of the following processes does NOT occur via active transport?