We have learnt about diffusion and osmosis in the previous lessons. In this lesson we will learn about active transport and its application in human body and plants.
What is Active Transport?
Active transport is the net movement of ions from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, against the concentration gradient with the use of energy, produced through the process of cellular respiration.
During the active transport, energy is used by the particles ( that is found in the A.T.P molecules ) to move against a concentration gradient.
Application in Plants:
Plants absorb nitrates and water from the soil. Water is absorbed through osmosis and nitrates through active transport. When good amount of nitrates are absorbed the quantity of nitrates in the soil is less than the quantity of nitrates in the plants. However, plants require maximum amount of nitrates in them for healthy growth, in order to absorb nitrates from the soil ( where they are in less amount as compared to their quantity in plants ), plants use energy to move the particles of nitrates from lower concentration ( soil ) to higher concentration ( plants ).
Application in Human Body:
When humans eat food, the food is broken down into smaller pieces and is moved to the small intestine. Small intestine is supplied by numerous blood vessels. The broken starch (glucose) is absorbed by the blood from the lumen of the small intestine. When good amount of glucose is absorbed by the blood, the amount of glucose in the lumen is less than the amount of glucose in the blood vessels. However, blood vessels require maximum amount of glucose in them, in order to absorb the glucose from the lumen of the small intestine ( where they are in less amount as compared to their quantity in blood vessels ), the cells use energy to move the glucose from lower concentration ( lumen of small intestine ) to higher concentration ( blood vessels ).
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