Between apoplastic and symplastic mechanism which one requires active transport

Answer 1

The symplastic mechanism requires active transport.

In the symplastic mechanism, substances, such as ions and nutrients, move through the cytoplasm of cells. This movement occurs through plasmodesmata, which are small channels connecting adjacent plant cells. Active transport is necessary in this mechanism because the movement of substances against a concentration gradient requires the use of energy.

In contrast, the apoplastic mechanism involves the movement of substances through the cell walls and intercellular spaces, bypassing the cytoplasm of cells. Passive transport, such as diffusion, is primarily responsible for the movement of substances in the apoplastic pathway.