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First teaching 2023

First exams 2025

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Active Transport (CIE AS Biology)

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The Process of Active Transport

  • Active transport is the movement of molecules and ions through a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration using energy from respiration
  • Active transport requires carrier proteins (each carrier protein being specific for a particular type of molecule or ion)
  • Although facilitated diffusion also uses carrier protein, active transport is different as it requires an input of additional energy
  • The energy is required to make the carrier protein change shape, allowing it to transfer the molecules or ions across the cell membrane
  • The energy required is provided by hydrolysis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is produced during respiration

Active Transport Diagram

Carrier protein changing shape during active transport

A carrier protein changing shape during active transport

  • Active transport is important in the following processes:
    • Reabsorption of useful molecules and ions into the blood after filtration into the kidney tubules
    • Absorption of some products of digestion from the digestive tract
    • Loading sugar from the photosynthesising cells of leaves into the phloem tissue for transport around the plant
    • Loading inorganic ions from the soil into root hairs

Examiner Tip

Be careful not to get carrier proteins and channel proteins confused when answering questions on active transport. Active transport requires carrier proteins (transmembrane transport proteins that undergo conformational change) not channel proteins.

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Phil

Author: Phil

Expertise: Biology

Phil has a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Birmingham, followed by an MBA from Manchester Business School. He has 15 years of teaching and tutoring experience, teaching Biology in schools before becoming director of a growing tuition agency. He has also examined Biology for one of the leading UK exam boards. Phil has a particular passion for empowering students to overcome their fear of numbers in a scientific context.