Question

A) Active and passive transport are important processes that help the cell (1 point

Answers

GPT-4o mini
Active and passive transport are important processes that help the cell maintain homeostasis and regulate its internal environment.

- **Passive transport** occurs without the expenditure of energy, moving substances across cell membranes along their concentration gradient (from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration). This process includes diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion, allowing essential molecules like oxygen and nutrients to enter the cell, while waste products exit.

- **Active transport**, on the other hand, requires energy (usually in the form of ATP) to move substances against their concentration gradient (from areas of lower concentration to areas of higher concentration). This process is crucial for maintaining concentrations of ions and molecules that are vital for cellular functions, such as the sodium-potassium pump that helps regulate cell potential and volume.

Together, these transport mechanisms enable cells to control their internal environment, respond to changes, and maintain necessary conditions for biochemical reactions.