Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Passive vs. Active Transport

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Passive vs. Active Transport

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Problem 6

Textbook Question

What is the primary difference between active transport processes and passive transport processes?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that transport processes in cells are mechanisms by which substances move across the cell membrane. These processes are broadly categorized into active and passive transport.

Recognize that passive transport does not require energy (ATP) from the cell. Instead, it relies on the natural movement of molecules down their concentration gradient, from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. Examples include diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion.

Understand that active transport requires energy in the form of ATP because it moves substances against their concentration gradient, from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration. Examples include the sodium-potassium pump and endocytosis.

Note that the key difference lies in energy usage: passive transport is energy-independent, while active transport is energy-dependent.

Consider the physiological significance: passive transport is efficient for processes like gas exchange, while active transport is crucial for maintaining concentration gradients essential for cellular functions, such as nerve impulse transmission.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Active Transport

Active transport is a cellular process that requires energy, usually in the form of ATP, to move molecules against their concentration gradient. This means substances are transported from areas of lower concentration to areas of higher concentration, which is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and nutrient uptake.

Passive Transport

Passive transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the use of energy. This process relies on the natural kinetic energy of molecules and occurs along the concentration gradient, meaning substances move from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration, such as in diffusion and osmosis.

Concentration Gradient

A concentration gradient refers to the difference in the concentration of a substance between two areas. It is a driving force for both active and passive transport processes, as substances tend to move from regions of higher concentration to lower concentration in passive transport, while active transport moves substances against this gradient.