What is the Difference Between Active Transport and Passive Transport?

The main difference between active transport and passive transport lies in the energy requirement and the direction of molecule movement. Here are the key differences between the two processes:

Energy Requirement: Active transport requires energy, usually in the form of ATP, for the movement of molecules, while passive transport does not require any energy.
Direction of Movement: In active transport, molecules move against the concentration gradient, from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration. In contrast, passive transport involves the movement of molecules along the concentration gradient, from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.
Types of Molecules Transported: Active transport is often used to transport ions, such as sodium and potassium, and large molecules like glucose. Passive transport typically involves nonpolar small molecules and ions.
Examples: Examples of active transport include the sodium-potassium pump, the proton pump, and the uptake of glucose in the human intestine. Examples of passive transport include simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis, and filtration.

In summary, active transport requires energy and moves molecules against their concentration gradient, while passive transport does not require energy and moves molecules along their concentration gradient.

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What is the Difference Between Active Transport and Passive Transport?

Comparative Table: Active Transport vs Passive Transport

Here is a table comparing active transport and passive transport:

Feature	Active Transport	Passive Transport
Energy Requirement	Requires energy (ATP)	Does not require energy
Direction	Moves molecules against the concentration gradient (from lower to higher concentration)	Moves molecules along the concentration gradient (from higher to lower concentration)
Examples	Uptake of glucose in the human intestine, sodium-potassium pump, and proton pump	Simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis, and filtration
Main Types	Primary active transport, secondary active transport, and bulk transport	Diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis, and filtration
Speed Rate	Fast or rapid process	Slow process
Selectivity	Highly selective	Partially selective
Diffusion vs Active Transport	Diffusion is a type of passive transport that moves particles down their concentration gradient without requiring energy. Active transport, on the other hand, requires energy to move molecules against their concentration gradient.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.