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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a characteristic of both active and passive transport?
A
Requires energy in the form of ATP
B
Involves only the diffusion of water molecules
C
Moves substances only down their concentration gradient
D
Movement of substances across a cell membrane
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definitions of active and passive transport: Active transport requires energy (usually in the form of ATP) to move substances against their concentration gradient, while passive transport does not require energy and moves substances down their concentration gradient.
Recognize that both active and passive transport involve the movement of substances across a cell membrane, which is a shared characteristic.
Eliminate incorrect options: 'Requires energy in the form of ATP' applies only to active transport, not passive transport. 'Involves only the diffusion of water molecules' refers specifically to osmosis, which is a type of passive transport, not a general characteristic of both. 'Moves substances only down their concentration gradient' applies only to passive transport.
Focus on the correct option: 'Movement of substances across a cell membrane' is the characteristic shared by both active and passive transport.
Conclude that the correct answer highlights the shared feature of both transport mechanisms, which is the movement of substances across the cell membrane.