Importance of Active Transport (Cambridge International IGCSE Science)

Importance of Active Transport: Extended

Extended Tier Only

• Energy is needed because particles are being moved against a concentration gradient, in the opposite direction from which they would naturally move (by diffusion)

• Active transport is vital process for the movement of molecules or ions across membranes

• Including:

  • Uptake of glucose by epithelial cells in the villi of the small intestine and by kidney tubules in the nephron
  • Uptake of ions from soil water by root hair cells in plants