active transport

noun

Meaning

The movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, requiring the expenditure of cellular energy.

Examples

  • Active transport allows the cell to maintain internal concentrations of ions that are different from the surrounding environment.
  • Unlike passive diffusion, active transport requires the cell to consume ATP to move substances against their concentration gradient.

Synonyms: pumping, ion transport, transmembrane transport