Yes, that’s correct! Moving substances against their concentration gradient—from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration—requires energy. This process is known as "active transport." Active transport is crucial for many cellular functions, such as maintaining ion concentrations, nutrient uptake, and eliminating waste products.
In cells, active transport typically involves specific proteins known as "transport proteins" or "pumps" that use energy derived from ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The most well-known example of active transport is the sodium-potassium pump, which helps maintain the proper balance of sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane.