Question

What distinguishes active transport from passive transport?

a) Active transport can utilize channel proteins.
b) Passive transport does not utilize carrier/transporter proteins.
c) Active transport requires the input of energy.
d) Active transport only occurs at the plasma membrane.

Answer 1

Active transport requires energy and can occur against the concentration gradient, while passive transport does not require energy and follows the concentration gradient.

Step-by-step explanation:

Active transport is distinguished from passive transport by the fact that it requires the input of energy, usually in the form of ATP. Passive transport, on the other hand, does not require energy. Additionally, active transport can occur against the concentration gradient, while passive transport follows the concentration gradient.

An example of active transport is the sodium-potassium pump, which uses ATP to move sodium out of cells and potassium into cells, against their respective concentration gradients.

In contrast, passive transport uses channel proteins and carrier proteins to facilitate the movement of substances across the plasma membrane.