Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Concentration Gradient
A concentration gradient refers to the difference in the concentration of a substance across a space or membrane. Substances tend to move from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration, which is a fundamental principle in understanding how molecules move within biological systems.
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Active Transport
Active transport is the process by which substances move across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy, typically in the form of ATP. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and allowing cells to uptake necessary nutrients even when they are in lower concentrations outside the cell.
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Passive Transport
Passive transport is the movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, occurring along the concentration gradient. This includes processes like diffusion and osmosis, where molecules move from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.
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Passive vs. Active Transport