Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

6. The Membrane

Passive vs. Active Transport

General Biology

6. The Membrane

Passive vs. Active Transport

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1:52 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

Which of the following processes includes all the others?
a. Osmosis
b. Diffusion of a solute across a membrane
c. Passive transport
d. Transport of an ion down its electrochemical gradient

Verified step by step guidance

Begin by understanding the concept of passive transport. Passive transport is the movement of substances across cell membranes without the need for energy input. It relies on the concentration gradient of the substances.

Recognize that osmosis is a specific type of passive transport. It refers to the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Identify that diffusion of a solute across a membrane is another form of passive transport. It involves the movement of solute molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, following the concentration gradient.

Understand that the transport of an ion down its electrochemical gradient is also a type of passive transport. This process involves ions moving across a membrane due to both concentration differences and electrical charge differences.

Conclude that passive transport is the overarching process that includes osmosis, diffusion of a solute across a membrane, and transport of an ion down its electrochemical gradient, as all these processes occur without the input of energy and rely on gradients.

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Key Concepts

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

Passive Transport

Passive transport is the movement of substances across cell membranes without the need for energy input. It relies on the concentration gradient, allowing molecules to move from areas of high concentration to low concentration. This includes processes like diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion, making it a broad category encompassing other transport mechanisms.

Diffusion

Diffusion is the process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration. It is a fundamental mechanism of passive transport and can occur across cell membranes when molecules are small enough or when facilitated by specific proteins. Diffusion is essential for the distribution of nutrients and gases within biological systems.

Osmosis

Osmosis is a specific type of diffusion that involves the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane. It occurs when there is a difference in solute concentration on either side of the membrane, driving water to move towards the higher solute concentration to achieve equilibrium. Osmosis is crucial for maintaining cell turgor and homeostasis.

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