Science glossary film: Active transport

The use of energy to move particles across a cell membrane from a lower concentration to a higher concentration. Normally, particles move down a concentration gradient – that is, from a high concentration to a low concentration. Active transport forces them to move in the opposite direction. This is achieved using specialised carrier molecules, which actively pump particles across the membrane, using energy supplied by the cell. Plants use active transport to take up nutrients from the soil. Root hair cells transport nutrients across the membrane into their cells.

Normally, particles move down a concentration gradient – that is, from a high concentration to a low concentration. Active transport forces them to move in the opposite direction. This is achieved using specialised carrier molecules, which actively pump particles across the membrane, using energy supplied by the cell. Plants use active transport to take up nutrients from the soil. Root hair cells transport nutrients across the membrane into their cells.