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Does Active Transport Expend Energy?
Does Active Transport Expend Energy?
Alexander Ross••6 min read
To move substances against a concentration or electrochemical gradient
electrochemical gradient
An electrochemical gradient is a gradient of electrochemical potential, usually for an ion that can move across a membrane. The gradient consists of two parts, the chemical gradient, or difference in solute concentration across a membrane, and the electrical gradient, or difference in charge across a membrane.
, a cell must use energy. Active transport mechanisms do just this, expending energy (often in the form of ATP) to maintain the right concentrations of ions and molecules in living cells.
Does active transport require the cell to expend energy?
Active transport mechanisms require the cell's energy, usually in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Does active transport not expend energy?
During active transport, substances move against the concentration gradient, from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration. This process is “active” because it requires the use of energy (usually in the form of ATP). It is the opposite of passive transport.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.