Active Transport

• What is active transport in the context of root hair cells of plants?

  The movement of molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy from the cell
• How does active transport differ from diffusion?

  Active transport moves substances against their concentration gradient, while diffusion moves substances down their gradient
• What is diffusion?


  The process by which substances move down their concentration gradient from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration
• Why is diffusion considered a passive process?


  Because it does not require any energy from the cell
• What analogy is used to describe diffusion?

  It is likened to water flowing downhill
• What analogy is used to describe active transport?

  It is likened to water moving uphill
• What is required for active transport to occur?

  Energy from the cell
• Where does the energy for active transport come from?

  From cellular respiration, mainly in the mitochondria
• What molecule stores energy for cellular processes?

  ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
• How do root hair cells absorb water and mineral ions?

  Through active transport against their concentration gradient
• Why do root hair cells have a large surface area?

  To enhance absorption of water and mineral ions
• What is the role of mitochondria in root hair cells?

  To provide energy for active transport
• What are the adaptations of root hair cells for their role?

  • Long hair-like protrusions for a large surface area
  • Numerous mitochondria for energy production
• What minerals do plants need that are absorbed by root hair cells?

  Magnesium and nitrates
• Why can't plants absorb certain minerals by diffusion?

  Because the minerals are at a higher concentration inside the cell than outside in the soil
• What is the main function of root hair cells?

  To absorb water and mineral ions from the soil
• What is the significance of cellular respiration in active transport?

  It provides the energy needed for the process