1.9 Active transport

• What is the main focus of the topic B1.9?

  Active transport
• What should you know after studying active transport?

  • How active transport works
  • The importance of active transport in cells
• What condition is associated with problems in the active transport system in mucus-producing cells?

  Cystic fibrosis
• What happens to mucus in people with cystic fibrosis?

  It becomes thick and sticky
• Why does thick mucus occur in cystic fibrosis?

  Because an active transport system does not work properly
• What is the general need for cells regarding substances?

  To move substances in and out across membranes
• What is the process called when substances move from high concentration to low concentration?

  Diffusion
• What does it mean to move substances down a concentration gradient?

  Substances move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration
• What is required for substances to be moved against a concentration gradient?

  A special process called active transport
• What does active transport allow cells to do?

  Move substances from low concentration to high concentration
• What types of substances can be moved by active transport?

  Sugars and ions
• How does active transport benefit cells?

  It enables cells to absorb more substances from solutions
• What is the role of active transport in relation to cell membranes?

  It allows cells to move substances through the cell membrane
• What is the definition of active transport?

  A process that moves substances against a concentration gradient
• What is the significance of concentration gradients in active transport?

  They determine the direction of substance movement
• What are the implications of active transport failure in health conditions?

  It can lead to serious health problems