Final answer:
Active transport involves a molecule binding to a carrier protein, the utilization of ATP to change the carrier protein's shape, translocation across the membrane, release of the molecule, and restoration of the carrier protein's original shape.
Step-by-step explanation:
The direct active transport of a single molecule involves the following five steps:
- The molecule binds to a specific receptor on the carrier protein that extends through the cell membrane.
- Cellular energy, often in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), is utilized. The energy from ATP may cause a change in the shape of the carrier protein.
- The change in shape of the protein then translocates the molecule across the cell membrane.
- Once on the other side, the molecule is released from the carrier protein.
- The carrier protein then returns to its original shape, ready to transport another molecule.
This process is essential for maintaining cellular function, as it allows cells to import and export substances as needed, despite concentration gradients.