What is active transport?
In GCSE biology, active transport is defined as the movement of particles across a membrane from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration. This movement occurs against a concentration gradient, so energy is required. During active transport, particles must travel via a protein carrier molecule rather than directly across the membrane.

An example of active transport in GCSE biology is the movement of mineral ions from the soil into root hair cells in plants. In animals, active transport can occur in the intestine to move glucose from the lumen of the intestine into the surrounding blood capillaries.
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