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Multiple Choice
A characteristic common to both diffusion and active transport is that:
A
they both require energy in the form of ATP
B
they involve the movement of substances across cell membranes
C
they only transport water molecules
D
they move substances against their concentration gradient
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definitions of diffusion and active transport: Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, requiring no energy. Active transport, on the other hand, involves the movement of molecules against their concentration gradient (from lower to higher concentration) and requires energy in the form of ATP.
Analyze the options provided in the problem: Evaluate each statement to determine whether it applies to both diffusion and active transport. For example, diffusion does not require ATP, so the first option is incorrect.
Focus on the correct characteristic: Both diffusion and active transport involve the movement of substances across cell membranes, which is a shared feature. This aligns with the second option provided in the problem.
Eliminate incorrect options: The third option, 'they only transport water molecules,' is incorrect because both processes can transport various types of molecules, not just water. The fourth option, 'they move substances against their concentration gradient,' is incorrect for diffusion, as it moves substances along the gradient.
Conclude the shared characteristic: The correct answer is that both diffusion and active transport involve the movement of substances across cell membranes, as this is the only feature common to both processes.