What is Active Transport?
- Active transport is the movement of substances across the plasma membrane of cells against the concentration gradient (From lower concentration to higher concentration).
- Since it is against the concentration gradient, energy is needed in the process.
- Video below shows how particles are transported through the carrier protein in active transport. Take notes that the process only happens when the carrier protein receives energy from an ATP.
Basic Requirements in Active Transport
- Presence of the carrier protein
- Presence of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
Function of the ATP
ATP is the source of energy in active transport. It supplies energy to the carrier protein to carry out the process. It is converted into ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate) after the reaction.
Mechanism of Active Transport
The video below shows how sodium ions and potassium ions are transported through the plasma membrane by a carrier protein.
Examples of Active Transport
Intake of mineral ions by the root hairs of a plant.