Final answer:
Active transport is a cellular process that moves substances across the plasma membrane against a concentration gradient, requiring energy from ATP and often involving transport proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transport that requires a cell to expend some of its own energy, typically from ATP (adenosine triphosphate), is called active transport. Active transport involves the movement of substances across the cell's plasma membrane against their concentration gradient, from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration. This process often requires transport proteins, such as carrier proteins or pumps, and is essential for maintaining the cell's internal conditions.