Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

11. Biological Membranes and Transport

Passive vs. Active Transport

Biochemistry

11. Biological Membranes and Transport

Passive vs. Active Transport

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Multiple Choice

What is the difference between active and passive transport across a plasma membrane?

Active transport is used to move substances down their concentration gradient, where passive transport is used to move substances against their concentration gradient.

Active transport is ATP dependent, whereas passive transport does not require energy for movement across the plasma membrane.

Active transport implies that the cell is working with other cells, whereas passive transport implies that the cell does not cooperate with other cells.

Active transport means that the cell is aggressively going after substances that it wants to bring into the cell, whereas passive transport means that the cell just waits for the substance to cross the membrane.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the basic definitions: Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane using energy, typically in the form of ATP, to move substances against their concentration gradient. Passive transport, on the other hand, involves the movement of molecules without the use of energy, allowing substances to move down their concentration gradient.

Identify the energy requirement: Active transport requires energy because it moves substances from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration, which is against the natural flow. Passive transport does not require energy as it moves substances from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, following the natural flow.

Consider the direction of movement: In active transport, substances are moved against their concentration gradient, meaning from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration. In passive transport, substances move down their concentration gradient, from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.

Explore examples of each type: Active transport includes processes like the sodium-potassium pump, which maintains the electrochemical gradient in cells. Passive transport includes processes like diffusion and osmosis, where molecules move freely across the membrane without energy input.

Clarify misconceptions: Active transport does not imply cooperation with other cells or aggressive pursuit of substances. It simply refers to the energy-dependent movement of molecules. Passive transport does not mean the cell is passive in its function; it is a natural process that occurs due to concentration gradients.