FOCUS ON : Active Transport

Part 1 - Keywords:

1. Active Transport

2. Concentration Gradient

3. Respiration

4. Mineral Ions

5. Plant Root Hairs

6. Dilute Solutions

7. Sugar Molecules

8. Gut

9. Blood

10. Cell Respiration

11. Diffusion

12. Osmosis

13. Transport Processes

Part 2 - Key Facts:

Active Transport Defined:

• Active transport is a cellular process that moves substances from a more dilute solution to a more concentrated solution, against the concentration gradient. This energy-demanding process requires energy from cellular respiration.

Applications in Plants:

• Active transport allows mineral ions to be absorbed into plant root hairs from very dilute solutions in the soil. This is vital for providing plants with the ions they need for healthy growth.

Applications in Animals:

• In animals, active transport enables the absorption of sugar molecules from lower concentrations in the gut into the blood, which has a higher sugar concentration. These sugar molecules are utilised for cell respiration.

Student Competencies:

• Students should be able to describe how substances are transported into and out of cells through diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.

Differences Between Transport Processes:

• Students should explain the differences between diffusion, osmosis, and active transport, recognising the energy requirement and direction of movement in each process.

Part 3 - Quick Quiz:

1. What is the primary characteristic of active transport?

   a) Movement from concentrated to dilute solutions

   b) Movement with the concentration gradient

   c) Movement against the concentration gradient

   Answer: c) Movement against the concentration gradient

2. Why is energy from respiration required for active transport?

   a) To speed up the process

   b) To move substances from dilute to concentrated solutions

   c) To balance cellular functions

   Answer: b) To move substances from dilute to concentrated solutions

3. In which organ does active transport play a role in absorbing sugar molecules?

   a) Liver

   b) Intestine

   c) Lungs

   Answer: b) Intestine

Part 4 - Going Further:

Question: Discuss the significance of active transport in plants and animals. How does it contribute to the overall health and functioning of these organisms?

Answer: Active transport is vital in plants for the absorption of essential mineral ions, ensuring healthy growth. In animals, it facilitates the absorption of sugars, providing energy for cell respiration. The ability to move substances against the concentration gradient is crucial for maintaining the internal environment of cells and supporting life processes.

Part 5 - Revision Tips: Focus on understanding the role of active transport in plants and animals, emphasising the energy requirement and the direction of substance movement. Practice distinguishing active transport from diffusion and osmosis.

Part 6 - More Help: WANT 25% Off GCSE Science And Math Tuition OR Past Paper Revision Resources? Click this link - piacademy.co.uk and use this COUPON CODE - GCSE25.

Stay tuned for the next issue, where we'll explore more fascinating topics in GCSE Science.

Please note our last edition for 2023 will be on the 22nd December. We will be back in the new year from the 8th January. Enjoy your Winter break!