Active Transport

• What is active transport?

  movement of particles against a concentration gradient – from a dilute solution to a more concentrated solution – using energy from respiration
• Why is active transport needed in plant roots?

  concentration of mineral ions in the soil is lower than inside the root hair cells – the mineral ions must move against the concentration gradient to enter the root hair cells
• What is the purpose of active transport in the small intestine?

  sugars can be absorbed when the concentration of sugar in the small intestine is lower than the concentration of sugar in the blood
• How does Active Transport help glucose move?

  It can be absorbed out of the gut and kidneys against a large concentration gradient.
• How does Active Transport relate to Cystic Fibrosis?

  People with cystic fibrosis have thick, sticky mucus because the active transport system in their mucus cells is not working properly.