Active Transport

​Active transport is the movement of particles (ions or molecules) through cell membranes against a concentration gradient using energy released in respiration.

​Energy released in respiration in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is used to move the particles (molecules or ions) through cell membranes.

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​This movement is from an area of low concentration to an area of higher concentration with the use of carrier proteins.

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​The carrier proteins change shape to move particles inside the membrane. After releasing the particle, the carrier protein returns to its original shape.

​Active Transport allows cells to accumulate high concentrations of important substances.

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​Examples:

• ​Glucose

• ​Amino Acids

• ​Ions (Sodium Na, Chlorine Cl)

• ​Glucose and Amino acids produced during respiration are absorbed from the ileum into the blood

• ​Useful substances are reabsorbed from the filtrate in the kidney tubules into the blood

• ​Mineral ions move from the soil into the plant roots