Active transport

• the movement of ions or molecules across a cell membrane into a region of higher concentration, assisted by enzymes and requiring energy
• ROOT HAIRS TAKE IN MINERALS AND WATER

  1. Each branch of a root will be covered in millions of these microscopic hairs
  2. Gives the plant large surface area for absorption of water and mineral ions from the soil
  3. Plants need mineral ions for healthy growth
  4. Concentration of minerals is usually higher in the root hair cells than in the soil around them
  5. the root hair cells cant use diffusion so they use active transport
• ROOT HAIRS TAKE IN MINERALS USING ACTIVE TRANSPORT

  1. active transport allows the plant to absorb minerals from a very dilute solution, against a concentration gradient, this is essential for its growth. But active transport needs energy and respiration to work.
  2. Also happens in humans e.g glucose from the gut and kidney tubules
• Active transport is used in the gut when there is a lower concentration of nutrients in the gut but a higher concentration of nutrients in the blood
• • When there is a higher concentration of glucose and amino acids in the gut they diffuse naturally into the blood
  • sometimes there is a lower concentration of nutrients in the gut than there is in the blood
  • Means concentration gradient is the wrong way
  • So active transport is used
  • Active transport allows nutrients to be taken into the blood, despite concentration gradient being the wrong way
• Important difference is that active transport uses energy and diffusion does not