Active transport
Active transport is a process that moves molecules across a cell membrane from a region of their lower concentration to a region of their higher concentration. This process is against the concentration gradient and, therefore, requires energy.
Pronunciation
- UK: /ˈæk.tɪv ˈtræn.spɔːt/
- US: /ˈæk.tɪv ˈtræn.spɔːrt/
Etymology
The term "active transport" comes from the active role that the cell plays in moving the molecules or ions across the cell membrane, which often involves the cell's energy.
Types of Active Transport
Active transport is divided into two types: Primary active transport and Secondary active transport.
- Primary active transport directly uses chemical energy (such as ATP) to transport all species of solutes across a membrane against their concentration gradient.
- Secondary active transport involves coupling the molecule with another moving along an electrochemical gradient.
Related Terms
- Passive transport - This is a type of cellular transport where substances move along their concentration gradient, hence does not require cellular energy.
- Endocytosis - A process by which cells absorb molecules by engulfing them.
- Exocytosis - A process by which cells expel waste and secrete substances by the fusion of a vesicle with the plasma membrane.
- ATP - Adenosine triphosphate, a high-energy molecule used for energy storage by organisms.
- Electrochemical gradient - A gradient of electrochemical potential, usually for an ion that can move across a membrane.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Active transport
- Wikipedia's article - Active transport
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