Passive transport
Passive Transport
Passive transport (pronunciation: /ˈpæsɪv ˈtrænspɔːrt/) is a type of cell transport mechanism that does not require the input of cellular energy. It involves the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, following the concentration gradient.
Etymology
The term 'passive transport' is derived from the Latin words 'passivus', meaning 'suffering or enduring', and 'transportare', meaning 'to carry across'. It refers to the process where molecules 'endure' or 'suffer' a movement across the cell membrane without the use of energy.
Types of Passive Transport
There are three main types of passive transport:
- Simple diffusion: This is the process where small, non-polar molecules move across the cell membrane without the help of transport proteins.
- Facilitated diffusion: In this process, larger or polar molecules move across the cell membrane with the help of transport proteins.
- Osmosis: This is a special type of diffusion where water molecules move across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.
Related Terms
- Active transport: This is a type of cell transport that requires energy to move molecules against their concentration gradient.
- Endocytosis and Exocytosis: These are types of active transport where large particles are moved into and out of the cell, respectively.
- Homeostasis: This is the process by which organisms maintain a stable internal environment, often involving transport mechanisms like passive and active transport.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Passive transport
- Wikipedia's article - Passive transport
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