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Active transport is basically the forced movement of molecules against its concentration gradient (I will explain this later). Let's assume that you have your inner cell, the lipid bilayer, the active transport protein, and the cell environment (outside of the cell). If both the inside of the cell and the environment have 1000 (just a number) ions of calcium, and the cell wants to pump 500 of the external calcium ions into the cell, then it will require an active transport protein. The protein's name is self-explanatory; it transports atoms/molecules/ions to or from a region in a cell. However, active transport is not like passive transport (facilitated diffusion) as it requires ATP (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate)- the energy source of all cells.

Here is a short explanation of concentration gradient. To make it simple, all atoms/molecules/ions want to be evenly distributed. An analogy would be a high pressure air system moving towards a low pressure air system. Why does high pressure move towards low press? The high pressure system contains a higher concentration of whatever we're dealing with (air in this case). The low pressure system is low on air, so the high pressure system moves towards the low pressure system to even out the numbers (They'll mix first, then evenly disperse so that the pressure is equal throughout the new system). In cells, atoms/molecules/ions tend to distribute themselves evenly so that the pressure inside is equal as the pressure outside. The active transport protein pumps (let's take bone marrow and calcium ions as an example) the external calcium ions into the bone marrow, thus allowing the bone marrow to grow at a quicker rate. The pump requires ATP because the ions do NOT wish to go into the bone marrow cell- they would rather stay outside instead if in a crowded area.

Lol, I just realized that the explanation was far from short =P

You should also take a look at the second law of thermodynamics if you're dealing with entropy.

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15y ago

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Related Questions

What concentration does active transport take place in?

the phospholipid bilayer of a cell


How do microvilli and mitrochondria help in the active transport?

Microvilli increase the surface area of the cell membrane, allowing for more transport proteins to be present to facilitate active transport of molecules against their concentration gradient. Mitochondria provide the energy in the form of ATP needed to power the active transport process.


How does diffusion take place in the body?

P.I.S.O.- Potassium in Sodium out facilitated diffusion, active transport , and passive transport and simple diffusion.


where does active transport takes place which part of the cell?

Active transport takes place in the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed from the intestine and into the bloodstream. More specifically, it is the structures known as villi that contain the protein receptors necessary for active transport to take place. The process also happens in the nephrons of the kidneys, where glucose and water/ions are selectively reabsorbed back into the bloodstream.


Does active transport require water?

No.... The Active Transport Requires Energy >> Just Energy But Our Bodies Transport a lot Of Substances Using Active Transport Including Water , Metal Ions, etc .......


When and where osmosisdiffusion and active transport take place?

In the root hair zone during absroption of water and minerals


Active transport involves what?

Active Transport requires first of all Energy which is obtained from respiration and secondly a selectively permeable membrane through which movement of materials can take place.


When would active transport take place in a cell?

When molecules are moved from a low concentration area to a high concentration area.


A form of passive transport that uses transport proteins-?

Diffusion (passive transport) needs no energy to take place, and therefore no need for transport or carrier protiens. Active transport uses carrier protiens, as the cell needs to work against a concentration gradient. This requires energy. Diffusion can take place outside of cells Active transport can't take place outside of cells.


Which part of the cell does active transport take place?

Active transport is a function of the cell membrane.


How is active transport important to the organism?

it helps take in glucose in the small intestine.


What do cells use to take in molecules or other cells?

active transport by endocytosis