Active transport vs Passive Transport....how to determine?

1 Answer
Nam D.
May 6, 2018

Well, look at the two words before "transport"...

Explanation:

Passive transport can be also called "diffusion", and happens when molecules move down a concentration, i.e. moving from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. This happens entirely due to the fact that all things in the universe want to move towards a chemical equilibrium. This does not require any energy to do.

Active transport on the other hand, requires energy, usually in the form of enzymes and #"ATP"#. A simple example is when nutrient molecules from the soil move up a concentration gradient and into the plant where enzymes assist in carrying those nutrients.

Here is a picture to differentiate between the two:

http://www.bitlanders.com/blogs/mechanism-of-uptake-of-water/213257

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