Question

Explain the mechanism of active transport through cell membrane.

Answer 1

In cells, the transport can be classified into two types namely:

1. Passive transport
2. Active transport.

Passive transport: It is the kind of transport, which does not require any energy to occur. It is always towards the concentration gradient.

Active transport: It is a kind of transport, which facilitates the movement of particles on the expenditure of energy. It is always against the concentration gradient.

Mechanism of active transport through cell membrane

1. In active transport, the materials require a specific protein that acts as a carrier molecule for the substrate to pass through membrane.
2. On one side of surface, the carrier represents its binding site. On binding with the substrate, the carrier undergoes a conformational change.
3. This transports the carrier bound molecule to other site of membrane, where it is discharged in an unaltered state.
4. The carrier is left behind the membrane. This process requires energy, which is supplied by ATP.
5. In this way, active transport enables the transport through the membrane.