Active transport

• Which sub-cellular structure provides energy required for active transport ?

  Mitochondria
• What do we mean by ‘against the concentration gradient ‘ ?

  • Movement from lower concentration to higher concentration
• How do root hair cells use active transport ?


  • Root hair cells use active transport to absorb mineral ions like magnesium and nitrate ions from the soil
• Does active transport require energy ?

  Yes
• Definition of active transport

  • Movement of molecules across the membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration
• In humans, glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream from the gut. How are diffusion and active transport involved in the process ?


  • Glucose is absorbed via diffusion because there is a higher concentration in the small intestine than in the bloodstream .
  • Once most of the glucose has been absorbed there will be a higher concentration in the bloodstream so remaining glucose will be absorbed via active transport