Summary
Highlights
Active transport is an active process that requires energy (ATP) to move molecules against their concentration gradient, from a low concentration to a high concentration. ATP is produced through aerobic respiration in mitochondria and then used for active transport at the cell membrane.
Similar to facilitated diffusion, active transport uses carrier proteins. However, these carrier proteins require ATP to change shape and move molecules against the concentration gradient. The hydrolysis of ATP releases energy, which drives this shape change.
Several factors influence the rate of active transport: the number of carrier proteins (more proteins lead to a faster rate, up to a saturation point), the speed at which carrier proteins move, and the rate of respiration. The concentration gradient does not affect active transport as molecules are moved against it.
The rate of active transport is directly dependent on the rate of respiration, as respiration produces the ATP needed. Oxygen availability is crucial because it affects respiration. A lack of oxygen or the presence of respiratory inhibitors will slow down or stop active transport due to insufficient ATP.
Bulk transport, which also requires energy, involves moving large molecules or large quantities of molecules through endocytosis and exocytosis. These processes utilize ATP to move vesicles along the cytoskeleton via motor proteins. Exocytosis is for secretion (e.g., hormones, mucus), and endocytosis is for intake (e.g., phagocytosis for solids, pinocytosis for liquids).