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Active transport in plants and animals

Cell biology • Transport in cells

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • Active transport is the movement of particles from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration across a membrane, which occurs against the concentration gradient.
  • This process cannot occur passively and requires metabolic energy.
  • The energy needed originates from respiration and is available in ATP form, supplied to membrane carrier proteins or pumps.
  • Mitochondria generate ATP close to transport sites, ensuring continuous operation of active transport mechanisms.
  • Factors limiting active transport include the rate of respiration (availability of ATP), the number and effectiveness of transport proteins in the membrane, and temperature, as temperature influences enzyme activity.
  • Disruptions to respiration or mitochondrial function reduce ATP availability and hinder active transport capacity.

Flashcards

Test your knowledge with interactive flashcards

Give an example of active transport in animals.

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Absorption of sugars from the small intestine into the bloodstream when intestinal sugar concentrations are lower than those in the blood.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

Active transport moves substances from low to high concentration using ATP from respiration.

Root hair cells use active transport to accumulate mineral ions from dilute soil; elevated internal ion concentration drives water uptake by osmosis.

Intestinal epithelial cells utilize active transport and co-transport mechanisms to absorb sugars when gut concentrations are low.

High mitochondrial density near membranes sustains active transport.

Limiting factors include ATP supply, number of membrane carriers, temperature, and local blood flow.

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